Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 5

Advance becomes Treading Carefully

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The first, second and fifth lines move: the lower Earth becomes Lake and the upper Fire becomes Heaven. Heaven above, the lake below. Advance brings a season of growth, recognition and help from important people, with the call to help others grow too. The resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, sets that good season in a difficult place, where you have to move with awareness and gentleness among people who could stand in your way. Put the two side by side and the lesson is about conduct. Your progress depends less on pushing than on how you carry yourself. Ask for what you need, accept favors gracefully, and treat potential rivals with courtesy; handled that way, they may give ground or even become allies. Watch your step when success makes you feel bold. Tact here isn't timidity; it's how the advance keeps going.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully

    You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.

    Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.

  3. Line 1 of 35 Advance

    If you don't get the help you need, don't keep looking for it in that place. Open yourself to other possibilities that will come your way.

    Advancing, and pushed back. Constancy brings good fortune. If there is no trust, stay easy: no fault.

  4. Line 2 of 35 Advance

    Even if at first you don't get help from the person you asked, don't be sad. Stay open and keep at it, and that same person will give you the help you need and deserve.

    Advancing, and grieving. Constancy brings good fortune. This great blessing is received from their grandmother.

  5. Line 5 of 35 Advance

    To advance and, as you do, to contribute to others is a sign of greatness, and it will keep your progress going. There's no reason to regret what you've given along the way.

    Regret vanishes. Loss or gain: don't be troubled. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.

The trigrams

Below Earth Lake
Above Fire Heaven

The way back

10 Treading Carefully → 35 Advance
lines 1, 2, and 5

Other transformations of Advance

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins