What this change means
Thunder rolls under heaven as the first, fourth and fifth lines move, and The Fall becomes 25 Innocence. With three lines changing, the two judgments stand in balance. The starting one describes a time of obstacles when you aren't believed and lesser people abuse power; it asks you not to push and to be generous downward. The resulting one says that acting with a pure heart, free of hidden motives and true to what is right, lets heaven's blessings reach you, while scheming brings new obstacles. The pairing is a test of motive. When others play dirty, it's tempting to answer the same way. Don't. Keep your actions clean and your intentions simple. You may not win every round, but you'll stay out of the trap that's catching the people around you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 25 Innocence
If you act with a pure heart, free of hidden motives and without straying from what is right, true to original human nature, you'll let the blessings of heaven reach you. Otherwise you'll meet obstacles and your affairs will become difficult.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. If it is not upright, there is calamity. 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 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 trigrams
The way back
25 Innocence → 23 The Falllines 1, 4, and 5
Other transformations of The Fall
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 3
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, and 4
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 4
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 2, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.