Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes The Army
What this change means
Water within the earth takes shape as the upper four lines move, and the figure becomes 7 The Army. Its first and second lines stay unmoved and give the counsel. The first says you need a just cause before moving toward what you want. The second says keeping up your activity and discipline will get you there. Coming out of Lack of Firmness, this turns the problem into a question of purpose and order. Before acting against the wrong influences, or toward anything new, make sure your reasons are fair. Then organize yourself. Discipline is what keeps limits from eroding. Speak clearly about what you want without imposing it, and keep working steadily toward it, choosing your company with care.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 7 The Army, which stays still
There has to be a just cause for you to move in the direction you want.
The army sets out under discipline. Without good order: misfortune.
- Line 2 of 7 The Army, which stays still
Keep up your activity and discipline to reach what you want, and you'll get it.
In the midst of the army: good fortune. No fault. Three times the king bestows his charge.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 judgment of 7 The Army
Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.
The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
7 The Army → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.