Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 5

Lack of Firmness becomes Great Achievements

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven gathers inside the mountain as the first, fourth and fifth lines move, and the two judgments are read as a pair. Lack of Firmness speaks of an old habit or an unsuitable tie you've grown used to, one that quietly gains power each time you let it slide. The resulting hexagram, 26 Great Achievements, describes a good moment to leave your comfort zone and attempt unusual things, since you have the qualities needed. Together they suggest that the habit you've been tolerating may also be what keeps you comfortable and small. Setting limits on it frees energy for something larger. Name the thing you've been putting off because it's familiar to stay put. Then take the bigger step. Strength that was spent managing the wrong influences can go into work that genuinely stretches you.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 26 Great Achievements

    It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.

    Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Wind Heaven
Above Heaven Mountain

The way back

26 Great Achievements → 44 Lack of Firmness
lines 1, 4, and 5

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.

Toss the coins