Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Held Back becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven above the lake: five lines change, Held Back becomes 10 Treading Carefully, and only the fifth line of the new figure keeps its place, so it carries the reading. That fifth line says that if you're aware of the danger in going ahead and act with caution, you can succeed. The resulting hexagram describes a delicate situation in which the right conduct, moving with awareness and gentleness, can turn potential rivals into people who give ground or even become allies. After the obstacles, the path is open again, but it isn't safe in the careless sense. You're walking close to people and forces that could block you. Go forward, but watch each step. Be courteous, know your place, and don't provoke. Awareness of the risk isn't a reason to stop; it's what makes moving ahead possible.
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 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.
A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 39 Held Back
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
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.
- Line 3 of 39 Held Back
The right thing now is to step back from the obstacles and return to normal conditions, with the people who love you, until the time to act comes.
Going: hardship. Coming: a return.
- Line 4 of 39 Held Back
You won't get past the obstacles on your own. It's time to return to more stable conditions and look for support from like-minded people; with their help you'll succeed.
Going: hardship. Coming: joined with others.
- Line 6 of 39 Held Back
You've reached such maturity and confidence that you can face difficulties calmly and help others; in the same way, you'll receive help from those above you.
Going: hardship. Coming: greatness. Good fortune. It is favorable to see the great person.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 39 Held Backlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Held Back
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.