Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Lack of Firmness becomes Going Up

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Earth covers the wind, a tree pushing up through the soil, as the fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the reading listens to both judgments. Lack of Firmness speaks of patterns you've let stay because they seemed harmless, and of the control they gain when no limit is set. The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, describes a rise that grows from dedicated work, and a good moment to seek help from someone important. Together they suggest that setting your limits frees you to grow. The energy spent tolerating the wrong things can go into the work that lifts you. Don't hesitate to approach someone who can help you rise. Build steadily, one small gain on top of another, and keep the influences that held you down at a distance.

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 46 Going Up

    You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.

    Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Wind stays
Above Heaven Earth

The way back

46 Going Up → 44 Lack of Firmness
lines 4, 5, and 6

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.

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