What this change means
Wind follows wind once the second, third and fifth lines change, and The Fall becomes 57 Gentleness. Three moving lines put both judgments on equal footing. The starting one names the stripping: obstacles, doubt about your words, the rise of people who misuse power. It counsels holding back and supporting those below. The second says you'll gain through gentleness, not pressure or force, by choosing a path and staying on it steadily, building results from small actions and from the support of people above you. This is a soft answer to a hard time, and it suits it. Don't try to overpower what's against you. Pick one direction, keep walking, and let small steps add up. Progress may be hard to see for a while; that doesn't mean it isn't happening.
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 57 Gentleness
It's a time when you'll gain and succeed through gentleness. This isn't the time for big actions, or for using pressure or force. It's a time to choose a path and stay on it steadily. Even if you don't see much progress, success will show itself through the build-up of small actions and through seeking the support of those above you.
Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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 3 of 23 The Fall
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.
Stripping. No fault.
- 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
57 Gentleness → 23 The Falllines 2, 3, 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
- 25Innocencelines 1, 4, 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.