Transformation · lines 3 and 4

Advance becomes Abiding

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

When the third and fourth lines move, both trigrams become Mountain: the light over the plain gives way to peak upon peak. The fourth line leads, warning that accumulating gain or power just for yourself will block your advance and put you in danger. The third reminds you that you aren't moving alone: others agree with you and help where you find it hard. The resulting hexagram, 52 Abiding, asks you to stop. Not out of failure, but to stay centered and steady and let outer conditions show you when it's time to act again. Put together, these lines suggest a pause in which you stop grabbing and lean on the agreement you already have. Don't go beyond what's happening now. Stillness, held calmly and with others beside you, tends to protect what you've gained better than one more grasping step.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 4 of 35 Advance

    As you advance, it's important not to pile up wealth or power just for your own benefit, because that will block your progress.

    Advancing like a field rat. Constancy is in danger.

  2. Line 3 of 35 Advance

    You move forward together, with the support of others, and they'll back you in the areas where you find it hard to advance.

    All agree. Regret vanishes.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 52 Abiding

    It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.

    Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.

The trigrams

Below Earth Mountain
Above Fire Mountain

The way back

52 Abiding → 35 Advance
lines 3 and 4

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