Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 6

Advance becomes A Subordinate Role

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The first, second and top lines move. Earth becomes Lake below and Fire becomes Thunder above: thunder over the lake, a strong sky over a yielding surface. Advance speaks of growth, recognition and help when you ask for it, along with the call to help others grow. The resulting hexagram, 54 A Subordinate Role, sets that advance inside a position where you have to take second place; personal initiative is likely to fail. Weighing the two, the progress is real but it isn't yours to lead right now. Help may come through serving well in someone else's plan, not through your own push. Recognize the moment and act in keeping with it until your position improves. Watch for impatience with being secondary. Accepting the role gracefully is what keeps the advance open for later.

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 54 A Subordinate Role

    You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.

    Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.

  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 6 of 35 Advance

    Make sure your advance doesn't run over other people. It's fine to clear the obstacles from your path, but without hurting anyone.

    Advancing with the horns. Fit only for punishing one's own city. Danger, good fortune, no fault. Constancy brings distress.

The trigrams

Below Earth Lake
Above Fire Thunder

The way back

54 A Subordinate Role → 35 Advance
lines 1, 2, and 6

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