Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 5

The Flame becomes Small Things

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind across heaven: the second, fourth and fifth lines move, and the double brightness is held back by a light restraint. Fire's own judgment is generous: clarity in what you do, inner guidance toward your aims, and gains that grow when you share your light. The resulting hexagram, 9 Small Things, says a promising situation is ahead, but obstacles still need resolving before it ripens. For now, small actions are what fit, while you wait for the right moment to do more. Balanced together, they ask for patience with your own brightness. You can see where you're going; you just can't get there in one leap. Watch for frustration at the pace. Refine your work, as the image puts it, and let small, clear steps prepare the larger move.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 9 Small Things

    You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.

    Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Fire Heaven
Above Fire Wind

The way back

9 Small Things → 30 The Flame
lines 2, 4, and 5

Other transformations of The Flame

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins