Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Adapting becomes Great Achievements
What this change means
Heaven held within the mountain is the new image, as five lines move and only the first stays still. That line of 26 Great Achievements guides the reading: wait before acting for now, since haste won't turn out well. It sits oddly at first beside the resulting hexagram, which favors leaving your comfort zone and taking on unusual actions beyond what you think you can do, because you have the qualities needed. But the two fit. Great things are possible here, and the first step is restraint. Coming from adapting, you've built up strength, support and clarity; now gather it rather than spending it at once. Let the energy accumulate, prepare carefully, and when the moment is right, act boldly. The mistake would be confusing readiness with a starting signal.
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 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
Wait before acting for now; acting hastily won't turn out well.
There is danger. It is favorable to stop.
- 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.
- 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 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
26 Great Achievements → 17 Adaptinglines 2, 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.