Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Opposites becomes Simplicity
What this change means
Only the fifth line stays still while the others move, and the figure becomes 15 Simplicity, a mountain within the earth. That still line leads. It says that anyone holding power should neither misuse it nor shrug off the errors of others; watching closely and acting with measure is the task. The resulting hexagram itself warns against boasting, and asks you to keep things simple and fair, trusting that your qualities will be recognized. So in a setting of differences, use authority with balance. Neither crush those who disagree nor let everything slide. Watch carefully, correct where needed, and do it without fanfare. Simplicity and fairness tend to earn respect even from people who see things differently. Let your conduct, not your position, carry the weight.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 15 Simplicity, which stays still
If you hold a position of power, don't abuse it, but don't be careless about other people's mistakes either. It's time to observe and to take measured action.
Not rich, alongside the neighbors. It is favorable to attack and subdue. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
- Line 1 of 38 Opposites
Don't try to join with anyone by force; it's important to recognize differences, however large. Even if someone close to you pulls away for a while, let them go: they'll come back on their own.
Regret vanishes. The horse is lost: do not chase it; it comes back by itself. Seeing wicked people: no fault.
- Line 2 of 38 Opposites
You can reach agreements with people like you whom you're not in touch with, using skillful means to bring those meetings about.
Meets their lord in a back lane. No fault.
- Line 3 of 38 Opposites
Even if conditions turn against you and you're even attacked, staying true to yourself and to those you admire will lead you to success.
Sees the cart dragged back, the ox held fast; the driver, branded on the forehead, nose cut off. No beginning, but an end.
- Line 4 of 38 Opposites
Keeping to yourself in this time of opposition will help you find people who are truly like you and achieve success.
Alone in opposition, meets a worthy man; they trust each other. Danger. No fault.
- Line 6 of 38 Opposites
Isolation leads you into a moment of confusion where you don't recognize friends or allies; you're even about to attack them. But little by little the confusion clears, and joining with like-minded people will bring you success.
Alone in opposition: sees a pig covered in mud, a cart loaded with ghosts. First the bow is drawn; then it is set down. Not a raider: a wedding party. If on the way the rain comes, good fortune.
- The judgment of 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
The trigrams
The way back
15 Simplicity → 38 Oppositeslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Opposites
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.