Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6

Held Back becomes Great Achievements

Starting hexagram

Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven held within the mountain is the new image: Held Back becomes 26 Great Achievements as its first, second, fifth and top lines change. Its third and fourth lines, which don't move, give the advice. The third says the path is opening gradually and action is called for, but certain moments will still force you to stop; at those times, keep preparing. The fourth says that watching circumstances and spotting obstacles before they arise lets you get ready to overcome them. Together they describe movement with foresight. The resulting hexagram favors leaving your comfort zone for bold, unusual actions, since you have the qualities they need. So go ahead, but don't expect a straight road. When you're halted, use the pause to prepare. Look ahead for the next obstacle while it's still small, and plan for it. Bold action and careful anticipation work together here.

What to read, in order

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

Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.

Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.

The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.
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 5 of 39 Held Back
You have great conviction and clear goals, which let you keep going despite the obstacles. Your inner strength will draw help to you.

Great hardship: friends arrive.
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 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Heaven

Above Water Mountain

The way back

26 Great Achievements → 39 Held Back
lines 1, 2, 5, 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.

Toss the coins