Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 5

Opposites becomes Lack of Firmness

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind blows beneath heaven when the first, third and fifth lines move, and the figure becomes 44 Lack of Firmness. Both judgments carry the reading. The starting hexagram asks you to share space with people unlike you, to accept modest results, and to keep your own nature. The resulting hexagram warns about unsuitable people or situations that you think you can manage, maybe even a bad habit, which can take control of you unless you set firm limits. Together they sharpen one risk. In trying to get along with those who are different, you may let in something that doesn't belong. Being open isn't the same as having no boundaries. Recognize differences, cooperate where it helps, but say no clearly to what pulls you off your path. Firm limits protect your nature.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 44 Lack of Firmness

    You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.

    The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 5 of 38 Opposites

    In the midst of opposites you'll find someone loyal whom you won't recognize at first, but they'll come to you and support you.

    Regret vanishes. Their clan bites into tender flesh. Going: what fault could there be?

The trigrams

Below Lake Wind
Above Fire Heaven

The way back

44 Lack of Firmness → 38 Opposites
lines 1, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Opposites

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins