Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4

Coming Back becomes Success in Small Matters

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder on the mountain replaces thunder under the earth: with three lines moving, Coming Back becomes 62 Success in Small Matters. Both judgments matter equally here. The return brings help and favor after darkness, provided you remember the errors that led there. The resulting judgment narrows the scope: this isn't the season for great things, only for small achievements, and reaching past your present means would waste your effort. Together they describe a modest comeback. Don't try to make up all the lost ground at once. Take the small, reachable steps, be careful with spending and energy, and stay respectful in your dealings. A return built from many small wins tends to hold. A grand gesture made too soon can bring back exactly the mistakes you're trying to leave.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 24 Coming Back

    After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.

    Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  2. The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters

    This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.

    Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.

  3. Line 1 of 24 Coming Back

    Success lies in doing things at the perfect time: watch the signs and act on them.

    Returning from not far, without coming to regret. Great good fortune.

  4. Line 3 of 24 Coming Back

    If you act with insecurity, going forward and back and repeating past mistakes, you'll stray from the path and from right action.

    Returning again and again. Danger; no fault.

  5. Line 4 of 24 Coming Back

    If you notice who the people around you really are and step away from those you see aren't right, even if you're left without company for a while, you'll find guidance and help.

    Walking in the middle of the others, returning alone.

The trigrams

Above Earth Thunder

The way back

62 Success in Small Matters → 24 Coming Back
lines 1, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Coming Back

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins