Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6

Coming Back becomes Treading Carefully

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven stands above the lake once four lines move: Coming Back becomes 10 Treading Carefully. Guidance comes from its still lines, the first and the third. The bottom one says you're in a position out of view that lets you focus on your projects. The third warns that overestimating your abilities can lead you into tasks you're not ready for. Those two fit a return well. Working quietly, away from attention, is an advantage now; use it to build. But don't let the relief of coming back inflate your sense of what you can handle. Take on what you're prepared for. Move with awareness and tact, especially around people who could become rivals, and you may even win them over.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 1 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still

    You're in a position out of view that will let you focus on your projects.

    A plain step. Going: no fault.

  2. Line 3 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still

    By overestimating your abilities, you may take on tasks you're not prepared for.

    The one-eyed can see, the lame can walk. Stepping on the tiger's tail, and it bites. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great prince.

  3. 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.

  4. Line 2 of 24 Coming Back

    Surrounding yourself with the right people right now will bring success.

    A restful return. Good fortune.

  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.

  6. Line 5 of 24 Coming Back

    Acting without delay, recognizing past mistakes and correcting them, will lead you to sure success.

    A generous return. No regret.

  7. Line 6 of 24 Coming Back

    If you let opportunities slip by and don't act at the right moment, it will no longer be possible to put things back in order, and you'll have to wait for new options to appear, which may take some time.

    A lost return. Misfortune; there is calamity and ruin. If armies are set marching, in the end there will be a great defeat that reaches the ruler of the country. Misfortune. Not for ten years can a campaign be undertaken.

  8. The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully

    You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.

    Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Lake
Above Earth Heaven

The way back

10 Treading Carefully → 24 Coming Back
lines 2, 4, 5, and 6

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.

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