What this change means
Heaven above, water below, the two moving apart: with the second, fourth and fifth lines changing, The Fall becomes 6 Conflict. Neither judgment outweighs the other. The starting one speaks of stripping away, a period when your voice carries little credit and unscrupulous people are getting stronger. The second describes a dispute that action can't solve, where cleverness serves better than force. Together they ask for restraint. You may feel you're in the right, and you may be, but this isn't the moment to prove it. Pushing ahead tends to deepen the quarrel. Let events run their course for a while, seek advice from someone wise in this area, and think every step through from its beginning. Generosity toward those below you, and a refusal to escalate, will serve you better than winning the argument.
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 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 23 The Falllines 2, 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
- 25Innocencelines 1, 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.