Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

Lack of Firmness becomes Immaturity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A spring breaks out beneath the mountain as the third, fourth and fifth lines move, and both judgments matter equally. Lack of Firmness turns on a belief, that you're in charge of influences which may in truth be in charge of you. The resulting hexagram, 4 Immaturity, says you don't yet have the maturity you need in this area, and asks you to act humbly: seek guidance and advice, and put what you're told into practice. Together they suggest that the confidence you feel about handling these influences may be part of the problem. Admit that you might not see the whole picture. Talk to someone with more experience and actually follow their counsel. Learning to set good limits is a skill, and right now it's one worth studying.

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 4 Immaturity

    Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.

    Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  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 Water
Above Heaven Mountain

The way back

4 Immaturity → 44 Lack of Firmness
lines 3, 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