What this change means
Fire glows at the foot of a mountain as the four upper lines of the starting figure change, the third through the top. The still lines of 22 Good Manners give the reading, the first and second. The first says success in everyday matters depends on using the resources that are yours, and no more. The second asks you to pay attention to what is essential, and to pair it with good manners. The resulting hexagram favors kindness and courtesy, saying that what might look superficial at another time leads to success now, in ordinary affairs rather than great ones. So adapting takes a graceful form here. Work within your means, keep your eye on the substance, and treat people well. Grace isn't decoration in this moment; it's how small things go smoothly. Leave big decisions for another season.
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 22 Good Manners, which stays still
Success in everyday matters now depends on using the resources that are yours, and no more.
Adorning the feet; leaving the carriage and going on foot.
- Line 2 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still
Pay attention to what is essential; combining it with good manners will bring you achievement.
Adorning the beard.
- 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 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 22 Good Manners
It's a time to be kind and courteous and to use good manners with others if you want good results in what you undertake. What might seem superficial at another time leads you to success now. It's a time to handle everyday matters, not great undertakings.
Success. In small things, it is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
22 Good Manners → 17 Adaptinglines 3, 4, 5, and 6
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
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 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
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.