Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3

Fleeting Success becomes Simplicity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Three lines at the base change, and the lake turns into a mountain hidden inside the earth. With three lines moving, the two judgments carry equal weight. 19 Fleeting Success announces a period of luck and well-being that won't last; it asks you to make the most of it, read the signs, and take precautions so the decline, when it comes, hits softer.

15 Simplicity, the resulting hexagram, adds the way to carry that luck: no boasting, no showing off. Keep things simple, act fairly, and let your qualities be recognized on their own. Put together, they suggest that good fortune is best held lightly. Enjoy it without making a display of it, and use part of it to prepare for the turn. A modest bearing doesn't stop the cycle, but it leaves you less exposed when it shifts. Watch for pride growing with success; it tends to make the decline feel steeper.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 19 Fleeting Success

    A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.

  2. The judgment of 15 Simplicity

    This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.

    Success. The noble person reaches the end.

  3. Line 1 of 19 Fleeting Success

    If you join with the right people, you'll have support and backing when the decline comes.

    Drawing near together. Constancy brings good fortune.

  4. Line 2 of 19 Fleeting Success

    Recognizing that every situation is impermanent will let you move through each phase not from fear, but trusting that you have what you need to get through it.

    Drawing near together. Good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.

  5. Line 3 of 19 Fleeting Success

    Relying too much on favorable situations will lead you to inertia and loss. If you react early, you can recover.

    Drawing near with sweetness. Nothing is favorable. Once grieved by it, no fault.

The trigrams

Below Lake Mountain
Above Earth stays

The way back

15 Simplicity → 19 Fleeting Success
lines 1, 2, and 3

Other transformations of Fleeting Success

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins