What this change means
Mountain upon mountain: five lines move, every one but the second, and the whole figure comes to rest. That still line of 52 Abiding holds the reading. It says that right now you can only make sure you stop yourself in the right place; you can't make others do the same. After a hexagram about following and being followed, this is a striking turn. Your influence over others has a limit, and you've reached it. The resulting hexagram describes a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady, waiting calmly for outer conditions to show that it's time to act. So stop where you should, and let others make their own choices. Don't chase people who won't stop with you. The harmony now comes from your own steadiness, not from bringing anyone along.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 52 Abiding, which stays still
Right now you can only see to stopping yourself in the right place; you can't make sure others do the same.
Still the calves. It cannot come to the aid of what it follows; the heart is not glad.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- Line 3 of 17 Adapting
People or situations that weren't good for you are moving away. Don't regret it: this clears the way for what is new and right for you to come closer.
Cling to the grown man, lose the boy. Following, what is sought is found. Abiding in constancy is favorable.
- Line 4 of 17 Adapting
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- The judgment of 52 Abiding
It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.
Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
52 Abiding → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.