Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Adapting
What this change means
Thunder in the middle of the Lake replaces wind under heaven as the first, second, third and top lines move, giving 17 Adapting. Two of its lines, the fourth and fifth, stay unmoved and carry the counsel. The fourth warns against tying yourself to people and situations out of comfort or habit; choosing your company and stepping away from those who aren't right brings success. The fifth says a larger purpose, a dream that inspires you, can carry you to what you want. Coming out of Lack of Firmness, this speaks almost directly to the starting problem. Habit is what kept the wrong influences near. Choose deliberately instead. Find the aim that genuinely moves you, and let it decide who belongs at your side. With a clear purpose, letting go becomes far easier.
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 17 Adapting, which stays still
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- 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 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 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
17 Adapting → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 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.