Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6

Fleeting Success becomes Transition

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire stands above water as the first, fourth and top lines move. Three lines in motion bring the two judgments into balance. 19 Fleeting Success describes a good season with a set length; it asks you to use it fully, notice what's shifting, and get ready so the decline lands softer when it arrives.

64 Transition, the resulting hexagram, says things are coming together for success and great projects, but some pieces aren't in place yet. Stay alert so mistakes of immaturity don't pull you off course, even after you get what you want. Combined, the reading is about not declaring victory too early. The good season is real, the work isn't finished. Keep checking the details, finish what's half done, and stay attentive after each gain. Watch for the pause and hesitation that come right after a success; that's when errors tend to slip in.

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 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

  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 4 of 19 Fleeting Success

    Joining with the people under you and supporting them will help you stay stable.

    Drawing near all the way. No fault.

  5. Line 6 of 19 Fleeting Success

    Being generous in times of power and plenty, helping others improve, will keep your success going.

    Drawing near with generosity. Good fortune, no fault.

The trigrams

Below Lake Water
Above Earth Fire

The way back

64 Transition → 19 Fleeting Success
lines 1, 4, and 6

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