Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5
The Flame becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven over a lake: as the second, third and fifth lines move, the bright double flame becomes a path that calls for careful steps. The judgment of the starting hexagram tells you there's clarity in what you do, that your inner self guides you, and that sharing your light generously brings more gain. The resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, describes a difficult situation in which your conduct matters most. Moving with awareness and gentleness can make even possible rivals give ground, and some may become allies. Taken together, the two ask you to let your clarity show as tact. Don't use your light to dazzle or to win. Watch for bluntness, or for stepping on toes you didn't see. Know your place and others', as the image of telling high from low suggests, and you can get through the tight spots safely.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- 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.
- 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 30 The Flamelines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of The Flame
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, and 4
- 23The Falllines 1, 3, and 4
- 41Decreaselines 2, 3, and 4
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, and 5
- 12Declinelines 1, 3, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 4, and 5
- 42Increaselines 3, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 3, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 3, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 3, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 1, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.