Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6

The Fall becomes A Subordinate Role

Starting hexagram

Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder rises above the lake: four lines have moved, so The Fall turns into 54 A Subordinate Role. The still third and fifth lines of the resulting hexagram carry the reading. The third says that in the present circumstances it's better to accept a subordinate position than to be alone. The fifth adds that calmly accepting second place can bring success, and that your talent will show despite a situation that looks unfavorable. For someone coming out of a time of stripping and disbelief, that may be hard to hear. You might want to reclaim your standing at once. Don't force it. Taking a modest role inside a group, rather than standing apart, protects you and keeps you connected. Do the work well from there. Things will change, and when they do, your position tends to change with them.

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 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Given the present circumstances, it's better to stay in a subordinate position than to be alone.

The young woman marries as a servant; she comes back and marries as a second wife.
Line 5 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Calmly accepting a subordinate position right now will bring you success. Your talent will show in spite of a situation that seems unfavorable.

Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. The lady's sleeves were not as fine as the second wife's. The moon is nearly full. 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 6 of 23 The Fall
Little by little the adverse situations will give way, and gradually adversity will turn into opportunity.

A great fruit left uneaten. The noble person gains a carriage; the petty person's hut is stripped.
The judgment of 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.

Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Earth Lake

Above Mountain Thunder

The way back

54 A Subordinate Role → 23 The Fall
lines 1, 2, 4, and 6

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