What this change means
The top four lines move, the third through the sixth, and Water settles on the Mountain: hard going. Guidance comes from the lower pair that stays still in 39 Held Back, the resulting hexagram. Its first line says a strategic retreat in the face of obstacles helps you reflect, find new strategies, and act when conditions are right. Its second line says it's time to face difficulties that seem to grow as you advance; if your actions go with inner integrity, you can succeed in the end. From Advance, the road has become steep. Each step may meet resistance. Step back when you need to think, step forward when you're sure, and look for like-minded people to back you. Watch for discouragement when obstacles multiply. Integrity carries you further than force.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
A strategic retreat in the face of obstacles will help you reflect, come up with new strategies, and act when conditions are right.
Going: hardship. Coming: praise.
- Line 2 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
It's time to face the difficulties, which seem to grow as you advance. Still, if your actions go hand in hand with inner integrity, you'll succeed in the end.
The king's servant, in hardship upon hardship, and not of their own doing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 35 Advancelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Advance
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.