Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Inaction
What this change means
Clouds gather above Heaven as the first, fourth and top lines move, and the reading holds both judgments. Lack of Firmness speaks of comfort with what doesn't serve you, an ease that slowly becomes dependence if no boundary is drawn. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's a time to wait rather than act, using the pause to prepare, looking at conditions honestly, and staying alert for the moment to move. Together they suggest that the limit you need may be a pause. Don't make dramatic moves toward or against these influences right now. Step back, look at the situation without fooling yourself, and get ready. Waiting with a clear head is very different from drifting along with what doesn't serve you. When the time comes, you'll know.
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 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 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 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 trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 4, and 6
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
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, 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
- 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.