Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6

Held Back becomes Advance

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Light rises over the earth: the four upper lines move, and Held Back becomes 35 Advance. Guidance comes from its two lowest lines, the first and second, which stay still. The first says that if you don't get the help you need in one place, stop looking there and open yourself to other possibilities. The second says a first refusal from someone isn't a reason for sadness; if you stay open and persist, that same person may still help. The resulting hexagram describes growth, recognition, and help from important people, with doors opening when you ask. Having looked for allies through the hard going, you'll now find some answers come slowly or from unexpected directions. Keep asking without bitterness. Be flexible about where help comes from, patient with those who hesitate, and ready to help others grow too.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 1 of 35 Advance, which stays still

    If you don't get the help you need, don't keep looking for it in that place. Open yourself to other possibilities that will come your way.

    Advancing, and pushed back. Constancy brings good fortune. If there is no trust, stay easy: no fault.

  2. Line 2 of 35 Advance, which stays still

    Even if at first you don't get help from the person you asked, don't be sad. Stay open and keep at it, and that same person will give you the help you need and deserve.

    Advancing, and grieving. Constancy brings good fortune. This great blessing is received from their grandmother.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 35 Advance

    A time of growth and achievement is coming, and you should make the most of it. You'll receive help and favors from important people. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask: doors will open for you. Your talents are recognized, and just as you receive help, it's also a time to contribute to the growth and betterment of others.

    The lord of Kang is granted horses in great numbers; in a single day he is received three times.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Earth
Above Water Fire

The way back

35 Advance → 39 Held Back
lines 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.

Toss the coins