Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5
The Fall becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Only the third and top lines stay still, and The Fall becomes 10 Treading Carefully, heaven above the lake. Those two still lines of the resulting hexagram now guide the reading. The third warns that overestimating your abilities can lead you into tasks you're not ready for. The top line says that reading the favorable signs tells you when to move, and that moving firmly then leads to success. After a long stripping away, the danger is overcorrection: feeling the pressure lift and grabbing more than you can carry. Measure yourself honestly. Move with awareness and tact, especially around people who could stand in your way; handled well, some of them may even become allies. Then, when the signs are clear, don't hesitate. Patience comes first here, and decision follows it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
By overestimating your abilities, you may take on tasks you're not prepared for.
The one-eyed can see, the lame can walk. Stepping on the tiger's tail, and it bites. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great prince.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 23 The Fall
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.
The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.
- Line 5 of 23 The Fall
You'll receive unexpected help that puts you in a favorable position.
Fish strung in a row: favor like that of the palace ladies. Nothing that is not favorable.
- 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 → 23 The Falllines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of The Fall
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 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.