Transformation · lines 2 and 4
Coming Back becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
Thunder sounds over the lake when the second and fourth lines move, and the figure becomes 54 A Subordinate Role. The fourth line leads: notice who people really are and step away from those who aren't good for you, even if it means a lonely stretch. The second line asks for the opposite movement too, gathering the right people close, which makes the return restful. The resulting hexagram adds a sober frame. Right now you may have to take second place, and personal initiatives tend to fail. Read together, it's a time of careful sorting rather than leading. Choose your company well, accept a modest role among them, and act in keeping with the moment. Your position can change later; for now, the right relationships matter more than the top spot.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 24 Coming Back
Surrounding yourself with the right people right now will bring success.
A restful return. Good fortune.
- 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.
- The judgment of 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.
Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
54 A Subordinate Role → 24 Coming Backlines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Coming Back
- 7The Armylines 1 and 2
- 15Simplicitylines 1 and 3
- 11Well-Beinglines 2 and 3
- 16Passionlines 1 and 4
- 55Abundancelines 3 and 4
- 8Unionlines 1 and 5
- 60Thriftlines 2 and 5
- 63After the Endlines 3 and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 4 and 5
- 23The Falllines 1 and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2 and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3 and 6
- 21Bitinglines 4 and 6
- 42Increaselines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.