Transformation · lines 3 and 5

Leaving Behind becomes Advance

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Light comes up over the earth as the third and fifth lines move, Mountain turning to Earth below and Heaven to Fire above. The fifth line leads: a well-timed retreat, made on friendly terms with the people and the circumstances you leave, brings success. The third line points to the snag. As you go, something tempts you to stay, and that tie slows you down; you may need allies just to keep moving. The resulting hexagram, 35 Advance, describes a time of growth that can follow if you get through the exit cleanly. Help and favors can come from important people, and if you need something, it's worth asking. Your talents are being recognized, and it's also a time to support others' growth. So loosen the last ties gracefully, ask for what you need, and step into the brighter stretch ahead.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. Line 3 of 33 Leaving Behind

    If, just as you're leaving something behind, you still let circumstances tempt you to stay, you'll need to find allies to make even a little progress.

    A tethered retreat. There is sickness, danger. Keeping servants and maids: good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 35 Advance

    A time of growth and achievement is coming, and you should make the most of it. You'll receive help and favors from important people. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask: doors will open for you. Your talents are recognized, and just as you receive help, it's also a time to contribute to the growth and betterment of others.

    The lord of Kang is granted horses in great numbers; in a single day he is received three times.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Earth
Above Heaven Fire

The way back

35 Advance → 33 Leaving Behind
lines 3 and 5

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.

Toss the coins