What this change means
Thunder sounds in the middle of the lake as four lines move, and The Fall becomes 17 Adapting. The still second and third lines of the resulting hexagram now guide you. The second says that your projects thrive when you're careful about the company you keep. The third says that people or situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and that you shouldn't regret it, because it makes room for what's new and right. Read after a time of stripping, that's reassuring. Some of what you lost may have needed to go. Let it go without chasing it. Be selective about who you let close now, and take the place life is asking you to take, leading where you should lead and following where you should follow. When the day is done, rest.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 3 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
People or situations that weren't good for you are moving away. Don't regret it: this clears the way for what is new and right for you to come closer.
Cling to the grown man, lose the boy. Following, what is sought is found. Abiding in constancy is favorable.
- 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 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.
- 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 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
17 Adapting → 23 The Falllines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Fall
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 4, 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
- 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.