What this change means
As the second and third lines move, the lower Fire becomes Lake: fire above, water below, and the two pull apart. The third line leads: like the light of the setting sun, conditions are fading and shifting, and you're asked not to be tossed around by those changes but to stay firm and centered within yourself. The second line gives you the resource for that: perseverance, connection with what's right, and your inner guidance, the yellow light of the center. The resulting hexagram, 38 Opposites, places you among people who differ from you yet whom you need to work with. For now, what you can achieve together is small. Don't give in, and don't try to erase the differences either. Keep your own nature and contribute from there to the shared work. Your inner steadiness is what lets you stay yourself among others who aren't like you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
38 Opposites → 30 The Flamelines 2 and 3
Other transformations of The Flame
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1 and 2
- 35Advancelines 1 and 3
- 52Abidinglines 1 and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 2 and 4
- 27Nourishmentlines 3 and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1 and 5
- 1Activitylines 2 and 5
- 25Innocencelines 3 and 5
- 37The Tribelines 4 and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1 and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2 and 6
- 51Shocklines 3 and 6
- 36Darknesslines 4 and 6
- 49Renewallines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.