What this change means
Heaven below, Earth above: when the second through fifth lines move, the figure becomes one of the most harmonious there is. The reading looks to its two still lines in 11 Well-Being, the first and the sixth. The first describes a flourishing season in which you surround yourself with like-minded people. The sixth warns that things may turn for the worse, and asks you to watch for the first signs of decline; pressing ahead regardless would bring loss. That fits the path from adapting well. Choosing your company carefully pays off now, and the resulting hexagram speaks of harmful influences leaving while blessings and support come in. Enjoy it. But don't fall asleep in the good weather. Notice when things begin to shift, and be ready to adapt again instead of insisting.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 11 Well-Being, which stays still
A season of flourishing: you surround yourself with like-minded people.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Setting out brings good fortune.
- Line 6 of 11 Well-Being, which stays still
The situation may take a turn for the worse. Pay attention and watch for the first signs of decline. If you insist on pressing ahead, there will be loss.
The city wall falls back into the moat. Do not use the army. From the town, orders are proclaimed. Constancy brings distress.
- 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 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- 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.
- The judgment of 11 Well-Being
A period of well-being, harmony and understanding is coming, and you can enjoy it. People and situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and in their place come people and situations that bring blessings and support. Heaven grants its gifts.
The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
11 Well-Being → 17 Adaptinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Adapting
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.