Transformation · lines 2, 5, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder over the mountain replaces heaven over wind as the second, fifth and top lines move, and the reading weighs both judgments equally. Lack of Firmness pictures a situation you've kept going because it seemed manageable, though it's slowly managing you. The resulting hexagram, 62 Success in Small Matters, says this isn't a time for great things but for small achievements, and that reaching beyond your means wastes effort. Together they suggest modest, concrete limits rather than grand gestures. You don't need a dramatic break or a total life change. Turn down one invitation, end one habit, say no once and mean it. Small, well-chosen acts that fit your present strength will do more than an ambitious plan you can't sustain.
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 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
- Line 2 of 44 Lack of Firmness
You recognize the adverse person or condition in your life. You need to keep it under control, not with violence but with firmness, so its influence doesn't spread.
In the wrapping there is fish. No fault. Not favorable for guests.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 5, 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
- 5Inactionlines 1, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 3, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 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.