Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 6

The Flame becomes Coming Back

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder within the earth: the third, fourth and top lines move, and the bright double flame turns back toward its source. The judgment of the starting hexagram speaks of clarity in what you do, inner guidance, and the generosity that shares your light. The resulting hexagram, 24 Coming Back, says that after a period of adversity and darkness the return comes. People will help and your projects will be favored, but be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, or you could fall again. Weighed together, they say the light is returning, and your clarity is what keeps it. Look honestly at what went wrong before. Watch for the relief that makes you careless. Rest a moment, as the old kings did at the solstice, and then move forward without repeating the old error.

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 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 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.

  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 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 Thunder
Above Fire Earth

The way back

24 Coming Back → 30 The Flame
lines 3, 4, and 6

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