Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 6

Great Achievements becomes Coming Back

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder within the earth: lines two, three and six move, and Great Achievements becomes 24 Coming Back. Three moving lines bring both judgments to the fore. Great Achievements invites you to go beyond the familiar, since your qualities favor success. The resulting hexagram describes a return after a period of adversity, with help arriving and projects favored, but it warns that repeating old mistakes could lead to another fall. Together they speak of a fresh start with lessons attached. You're coming back into strength, and new ventures can follow. Before you leap, take honest stock of what led you into difficulty, and don't repeat it. Let the return begin quietly, as thunder stirs under the ground before it's heard. Then move forward with the people who come to help.

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 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.

  3. 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.

  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 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 trigrams

Below Heaven Thunder
Above Mountain Earth

The way back

24 Coming Back → 26 Great Achievements
lines 2, 3, 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.

Toss the coins