Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 5
Lack of Firmness becomes Opposites
What this change means
Fire above and the Lake below move apart as the first, third and fifth lines change, and the two judgments share the reading. Lack of Firmness warns about people you keep close on the assumption that you can steer them; without clear boundaries, they do the steering. The resulting hexagram, 38 Opposites, describes having to share with people unlike you, achieving only small things for now, while each side keeps its own nature. Together they suggest you may not be able to avoid these people entirely. If you must work alongside them, do it without becoming like them. Keep your own character intact, contribute what you can to the shared task, and expect modest results. Being distinct is itself a boundary, and it may be the most reliable one you have.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
- 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
38 Opposites → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, and 3
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, and 4
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, and 4
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, and 5
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 4, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 2, 4, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 3, 4, and 5
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 3, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 3, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 3, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.