Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4

Great Achievements becomes Transition

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven below becomes Water and the Mountain above becomes Fire as lines one, three and four move: Great Achievements turns into 64 Transition, fire standing above water. Since three lines change, both judgments carry the meaning. Great Achievements says it's favorable to cross the great river. The resulting hexagram says you're standing just before that crossing: things are coming together, but some pieces haven't fallen into place, and immature mistakes could still pull you off course. The two fit closely. The crossing is favored, but not yet complete. Check what's unfinished, sort things out carefully, and put each in its place. Don't hesitate so long that you stall at the bank, and don't plunge in before you're ready. Care in the last stretch is what makes the crossing succeed.

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 26 Great Achievements

    It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

    Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  2. The judgment of 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

  3. Line 1 of 26 Great Achievements

    Wait before acting for now; acting hastily won't turn out well.

    There is danger. It is favorable to stop.

  4. Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements

    The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.

    Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  5. Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements

    If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.

    The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Water
Above Mountain Fire

The way back

64 Transition → 26 Great Achievements
lines 1, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Great Achievements

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins