Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6

Leaving Behind becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water over Fire, everything seemingly in its place: the first, fourth and top lines move, and the retreat opens onto a completed crossing. The two judgments share the reading equally. The starting one counsels a quiet step back, the kind that conserves strength and keeps a small, steady line of conduct. The resulting hexagram, 63 After the End, describes a success that tends to be passing. Things seem to favor you, and then a quieter, stagnant stretch follows; preparing ahead can soften it. Both point toward foresight. Enjoy what's been achieved, but don't treat it as permanent. Keep some strength in reserve, think about trouble before it comes, and stay ready to step back again when the tide turns, as it tends to.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Mountain Fire
Above Heaven Water

The way back

63 After the End → 33 Leaving Behind
lines 1, 4, 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.

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