Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Shock
What this change means
Five lines move and only the fourth stays still, so the figure becomes thunder upon thunder. That fourth line of the resulting hexagram, 51 Shock, carries the reading: you can't see clearly what's holding you back, so what you do doesn't settle matters, and it's a time to wait until conditions change. Set against Lack of Firmness, this is a sobering note. You may sense something is wrong without being able to name it. Acting on guesswork will only stir things up. Stay composed, keep your limits where they are, and don't make big moves. Wait and watch. When conditions shift and the source of the trouble becomes visible, you'll be able to deal with it calmly and effectively, without the confusion that clouds things now.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 51 Shock, which stays still
You can't see clearly what's holding you back, so the things you do don't settle matters. It's a time to wait until conditions change.
Thunder sinks into the mud.
- The judgment of 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
- Line 1 of 44 Lack of Firmness
When something or someone you'd be better off without comes into your life, put distance between you quickly, before it gains power.
Tied to a metal brake. Constancy brings good fortune. If it has somewhere to go, it will meet misfortune. A lean pig, surely, paws and paces.
- Line 2 of 44 Lack of Firmness
You recognize the adverse person or condition in your life. You need to keep it under control, not with violence but with firmness, so its influence doesn't spread.
In the wrapping there is fish. No fault. Not favorable for guests.
- Line 3 of 44 Lack of Firmness
You know adverse conditions or people exist and you can recognize them, but you're tempted to let them influence you. It will take a great effort to set them aside.
Buttocks without skin; the walk falters. Danger. No great fault.
- Line 5 of 44 Lack of Firmness
Right now, thanks to your inner worth, you're able to transform unsuitable people and even your own harmful habits.
Willow branches wrap the melon. Beauty kept within: something falls from heaven.
- Line 6 of 44 Lack of Firmness
Your distance from unsuitable people makes you look proud and aloof, but that's better than getting involved with them.
Meeting with the horns. Distress. No fault.
- The judgment of 51 Shock
When unexpected situations come along that would frighten others, keep control and act calmly, without losing your composure. This attitude will get you results in what you want and let you succeed where others fail.
Success. Thunder comes, and there is dread; then laughter and easy talk. The thunder alarms a hundred leagues around, yet neither the ladle nor the sacrificial wine is let fall.
The trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.