Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3

The Fall becomes Great Achievements

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The whole lower trigram changes, Earth turning into Heaven, so the mountain now holds heaven inside it: 26 Great Achievements. Three lines move, and the two judgments weigh equally. The Fall pictures a season when nothing you say carries weight and those abusing their position gain ground; it advises not pushing ahead and being generous to those beneath you. The resulting hexagram favors unusual action beyond your comfort zone, because you have the qualities it needs. These two can sound opposed, yet together they suggest an order. First, hold your ground without forcing, and build quietly: learn from the past, store up strength, support the people who depend on you. That accumulation is what later makes bold action possible. Watch the timing. Leaping too soon, while the pressure is still high, can waste what you've gathered.

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 23 The Fall

    It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.

    It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.

  2. The judgment of 26 Great Achievements

    It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

    Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. Line 1 of 23 The Fall

    Your enemies have the power now and use any means to damage your image, even slander. All you can do is keep your inner strength and wait for better times.

    The bed is stripped at the legs. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.

  4. Line 2 of 23 The Fall

    Resources and help aren't enough right now. All you can do is wait for better conditions.

    The bed is stripped at the frame. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.

  5. Line 3 of 23 The Fall

    Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.

    Stripping. No fault.

The trigrams

Below Earth Heaven
Above Mountain stays

The way back

26 Great Achievements → 23 The Fall
lines 1, 2, and 3

Other transformations of The Fall

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins