Transformation · lines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
Thunder above the Lake takes the place of heaven above wind as the first, third, fifth and top lines move, giving 54 A Subordinate Role. The second and fourth lines of that figure stay still and shape the reading. The second asks you to keep your position and your loyalty even if the person you answer to ignores you; that shows your greatness. The fourth says that patience will bring you what you're after, and bring it well. Coming out of Lack of Firmness, this suggests you may not be in a position to change things directly. You can still set limits on how much the wrong influences affect you. Stay loyal to your own values, do your part faithfully, and wait. The right moment tends to come.
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 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Even if the person you answer to ignores you, keep your position and your loyalty: this will show your greatness.
The one-eyed can see. The constancy of the one who lives apart is favorable.
- Line 4 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
If you know how to wait, you'll get what you want, and get it perfectly.
The young woman lets the time for her wedding pass. A late marriage has its hour.
- 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 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 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.
Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
54 A Subordinate Role → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 5, 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
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 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
- 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.