What this change means
Walking with a faltering step, unable to sit easy: the third line carries the weight here, and it describes temptation. You can see the adverse people or conditions for what they are, yet part of you wants to let them in. Setting them aside will take real effort. In Lack of Firmness, the core danger is assuming you're in control of what is quietly controlling you, and this line is where that struggle becomes personal. As Wind below turns to Water, the resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, appears: a dispute that action alone won't solve, where cleverness serves better than force and wise advice helps. The conflict may be inside you as much as outside. Don't try to win it in one dramatic move. Recognize the pull, ask someone you trust for counsel, and keep making the harder choice, one day at a time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 44 Lack of Firmnessline 3
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.