Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Leaving Behind becomes Well-Being
What this change means
The figure turns upside down, Earth above and Heaven below, the two at last meeting, as every line but the third moves. The third line alone keeps still, and in 11 Well-Being it gives the reading. There will be ups and downs, it says; don't despair, enjoy the calm, and act carefully when danger appears. The hexagram as a whole describes a time of harmony and understanding, when people and situations that weren't good for you move away and better ones arrive. The retreat has done more than you expected. What you left behind is replaced by something kinder. Still, peace isn't the same as permanence. Enjoy the good stretch, stay humble about it, and keep your caution handy for the dips that tend to come.
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 11 Well-Being, which stays still
There will be ups and downs. Don't despair: enjoy the calm moments and act with caution in the face of danger.
No plain without a slope, no going without return. Constancy in hardship: no fault. Do not grieve over its truth; in eating there is blessing.
- The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 33 Leaving Behind
In hard times, when retreat can't be avoided, you'll suffer losses if you don't pull back quickly and actively and still hope to get something out of that road.
Retreating at the tail. Danger. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet.
- Line 2 of 33 Leaving Behind
If you leave behind what doesn't serve you and hold fast to what is fair and right, you'll reach your goals in the end.
Bound with the hide of a yellow ox: no one can work it loose.
- Line 4 of 33 Leaving Behind
You need to leave this road behind without clinging and without regret, sure that it's the right thing. Otherwise, even if you let go, a grieving heart will keep you from opening up to what's new.
A retreat with affection. For the noble person, good fortune; for the petty person, not so.
- Line 5 of 33 Leaving Behind
Withdrawing at the right moment, and doing it on friendly terms with the circumstances and the people you leave behind, will bring you success.
A fine retreat. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 6 of 33 Leaving Behind
You're in the right position to leave behind what has run its course. You can do it knowing it's right and without mourning the loss, and this will bring you great success.
A retreat at ease. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 11 Well-Being
A period of well-being, harmony and understanding is coming, and you can enjoy it. People and situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and in their place come people and situations that bring blessings and support. Heaven grants its gifts.
The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
11 Well-Being → 33 Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Leaving Behind
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.