Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

The Flame becomes Water

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Every line moves, and the double Fire turns into its opposite, double Water: from radiance to the pit. With all six lines changing, the resulting hexagram speaks for the whole. 29 Water says that, just as a stream gets past obstacles by following its course without stagnating, you're entering a time when obstacles come one after another, and you'll get past them if you keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you is the one thing that would leave you stuck. So the clarity you had becomes something else: the steadiness to keep going when you can't see far ahead. Trust your heart, which gets through when nothing else does. Watch for fear disguised as caution. Keep your conduct steady, as the image says, and flow on, one obstacle at a time.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

  3. Line 1 of 30 The Flame

    Right now it's important to stay calm and focused on your projects, without getting swept up in the noise around you.

    Footsteps crossing every which way. With reverence, no fault.

  4. Line 2 of 30 The Flame

    Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.

    Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.

  5. Line 3 of 30 The Flame

    Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.

    The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.

  6. Line 4 of 30 The Flame

    A quick rise, unless your inner strength and steadiness feed it, will be short-lived.

    Suddenly, so it comes: blazing, dying, cast away.

  7. Line 5 of 30 The Flame

    After a rise, expect a decline. If you stand firm and understand that this is life's natural rhythm, you'll recover.

    Tears pouring down in streams, sighs of sorrow. Good fortune.

  8. Line 6 of 30 The Flame

    If you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and make the corrections needed, you'll succeed.

    The king sets out on campaign. There is merit: the chief's head is cut off, and the captives are not the chief's own people. No fault.

The trigrams

Below Fire Water
Above Fire Water

The way back

29 Water → 30 The Flame
lines 1, 2, 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.

Toss the coins