What this change means
Fire over fire: four lines change and Held Back becomes 30 The Flame. The second and third lines of the new figure keep their place and frame what follows. The second says that perseverance and a connection with what is right, following your inner guidance, bring achievement and brilliance. The third warns against being swept along by ups and downs; staying firm and centered, whatever the outside circumstances, is what secures achievement. The resulting hexagram adds that there's clarity in what you do and that sharing your light generously increases your gains. After a period of obstacles, you can see clearly again. Hold on to that clarity when conditions swing. Listen to your inner sense of direction, stay steady, and let others benefit from what you see. That generous brightness tends to bring more than any push forward would.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 30 The Flame, which stays still
Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.
Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.
- Line 3 of 30 The Flame, which stays still
Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.
The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.
- 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 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 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 30 The Flame
There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.
Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
30 The Flame → 39 Held Backlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Held Back
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.