Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Great Achievements becomes Adapting
What this change means
Thunder in the middle of the lake: from the second line to the top, five lines move, and Great Achievements becomes 17 Adapting. The first line stays still and guides the reading: being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours leads to success. The resulting hexagram says it's a time both to lead and to follow, to see the place life is asking you to take and act genuinely from there. Great Achievements has stored much strength and knowledge; here the counsel is to hold it lightly. Listen more than you assert. Accept other views, even when you're confident in yours. Know when to step forward and when to follow, and rest when the day is done. Leadership grows for someone who can also yield.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- 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 2 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait until conditions are right to act, because outside circumstances are holding you back.
The axle strap slips from the cart.
- 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 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.
- 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 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
17 Adapting → 26 Great Achievementslines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
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.