Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Held Back becomes Transition
What this change means
Only the first line of the resulting hexagram stays still when five lines move, and it carries the reading. Held Back becomes 64 Transition, fire above water. That first line warns that rushing for results instead of going step by step makes you lose your way. The resulting hexagram describes things coming together so that success can arrive, while some pieces still haven't fallen into place; it asks you to stay alert to mistakes born of immaturity, which can happen even after you get what you want. After the hard going, relief can make you hurry. Resist that. The obstacles are mostly behind you, but the crossing isn't complete. Check each piece before moving to the next, and don't stop paying attention when the goal comes within sight. Careful steps now protect everything you worked through.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 64 Transition, which stays still
If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.
Wets its tail. Distress.
- 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 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 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 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 39 Held Backlines 2, 3, 4, 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.