Transformation · lines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Great Achievements becomes Water
What this change means
Water over water, the pit doubled: lines one, three, five and six move, and Great Achievements becomes 29 Water. The guidance comes from the second and fourth lines, which stay still. The second says you're in a dangerous situation where results come only in small matters; this isn't the time for great success. The fourth says obstacles will be overcome only if you open up to help that seems minor but makes the difference. The resulting hexagram compares you to a stream that keeps flowing through obstacle after obstacle and isn't stopped as long as it moves. Great Achievements' ambition has to scale down here. Aim for small results, keep moving, and don't let fear freeze you. Accept modest help gratefully; it may be exactly what gets you through.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 29 Water, which stays still
You're in a dangerous situation where you only get results in small matters. This isn't the time for great success.
In the pit there is danger. Seeking, a little is gained.
- Line 4 of 29 Water, which stays still
Obstacles will be overcome now only if you open up to help that seems minor but will make the difference.
A jug of wine, a bowl of grain besides, in clay vessels. The simple offering passes in through the window. In the end, no fault.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 5 of 26 Great Achievements
Facing the situations and people trying to stop you, not head-on but cleverly, ensures your success.
The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 26 Great Achievements
Everything is in your favor right now; success is assured. You'll receive help from Heaven.
How wide the roads of heaven. Success.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
29 Water → 26 Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Great Achievements
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.