Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5
Good Manners becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
From the second line through the fifth, everything moves, and Good Manners becomes 10 Treading Carefully, heaven above the lake. The resulting hexagram's still lines carry the guidance. The first says you're in a position out of view, which lets you focus on your projects. The top line says that reading the good omens for timing, then moving with decision, leads to success. The resulting hexagram describes difficult ground where conduct matters: move with awareness and gentleness, and even possible rivals may give way or become allies. Good manners are your footing here. Work quietly while you're unseen, read the signs patiently, and when the moment comes, act with both courtesy and resolve. Patience comes first; then take a clear, graceful step when the signs line up.
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 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
You're in a position out of view that will let you focus on your projects.
A plain step. Going: no fault.
- Line 6 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
If you watch for the favorable signs to know when to act, and then act decisively, you'll succeed.
Looking back over the steps taken, examining the signs. If it turns back on itself: great good fortune.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 22 Good Manners
Pay attention to what is essential; combining it with good manners will bring you achievement.
Adorning the beard.
- Line 3 of 22 Good Manners
When well-being surrounds you, don't relax too much and lose yourself in it.
Adorned, as if soaked through. Lasting constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 22 Good Manners
A time of great well-being is coming, and you can allow yourself to enjoy it.
Adorned and white; a white horse as if on wings. Not a raider: one who comes to ask for marriage.
- Line 5 of 22 Good Manners
Your genuine inner attitude, small as it may seem to you, is welcomed and accepted in higher circles.
Adornment on the hill and in the garden. The roll of silk is meager. Distress; in the end, good fortune.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 22 Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Good Manners
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 12Declinelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 8Unionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.