What this change means
Water comes again and again as the second, fifth and top lines move, and The Fall becomes 29 Water. Three lines change, so each judgment counts as much as the other. The first sums up the stripping, with its hindrances, doubt and ill-used power, and it counsels restraint and generosity toward those who rely on you. The second says obstacles will keep coming one after another, but like a stream you can get past them if you keep moving, while fear would leave you stuck. These two refine each other. Don't push against the walls, but don't freeze either. Flow around what blocks you, steadily and without stagnating. Keep your conduct constant, keep teaching and helping where you can, and trust that movement, not force, is what gets water through.
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 29 Water
Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.
There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
29 Water → 23 The Falllines 2, 5, and 6
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
- 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
- 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.