Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Fleeting Success
What this change means
Everything moves except the second line, and the figure becomes earth above the lake. In the resulting hexagram, 19 Fleeting Success, that second line leads: seeing that every situation is impermanent lets you move through each phase without fear, trusting that you have what you need. From Lack of Firmness, where you may have clung to people or habits that don't serve you, this is a reminder that nothing stays as it is. The good spell this hexagram describes is limited in time, and so are the difficulties. Enjoy what goes well without grasping, take precautions before conditions turn, and don't hold on to anyone or anything just to make a moment last. Trust that you'll be able to meet each change.
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 19 Fleeting Success, which stays still
Recognizing that every situation is impermanent will let you move through each phase not from fear, but trusting that you have what you need to get through it.
Drawing near together. Good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.
- 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 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 4 of 44 Lack of Firmness
For now it's better to keep adverse people close, as long as you know how to set limits with them; they may be useful to you at some point.
In the wrapping there is no fish. Setting off brings misfortune.
- 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 19 Fleeting Success
A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
19 Fleeting Success → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, 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.