What this change means
Lightning flashes above the thunder as the fifth and top lines move, and the Lake becomes Fire. The top line leads: support gathers around you, followers and even powerful people backing you, with ties made fast and solemn. The fifth line gives that support its center, a larger purpose, a dream that inspires you, and trust in what is good. The movement leads to 21 Biting, when obstacles call for a decisive, firm response, legal steps included if it comes to that. Energy and clear limits are what tend to bring success. That's the shift here. You've been gathering people around a shared aim, and now something is in the way. Don't let the warmth of support make you shy of firmness. Name the obstacle, set clear limits, and act. A purpose worth following is worth defending.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- The judgment of 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 17 Adaptinglines 5 and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 2
- 31Attractionlines 1 and 3
- 43Overflowinglines 2 and 3
- 8Unionlines 1 and 4
- 60Thriftlines 2 and 4
- 63After the Endlines 3 and 4
- 16Passionlines 1 and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2 and 5
- 55Abundancelines 3 and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 4 and 5
- 12Declinelines 1 and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2 and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3 and 6
- 42Increaselines 4 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.