Transformation · lines 4 and 6
Lack of Firmness becomes Right Action
What this change means
Water rises over the wood, the image of a well, as the top and fourth lines move, with the top one leading. It says distance from unsuitable people may make you look aloof, but it beats involvement. The fourth offers a subtler view: some difficult people can be kept close, within clear limits, because they may be useful later. Lack of Firmness is about not letting such influences take control. The resulting hexagram, 48 Right Action, says opportunities are on your side, but only if you stop putting off decisions and make use of what you have. Together they ask you to decide. Who do you keep at arm's length, and who do you keep within reach for a reason? Make that choice consciously rather than drifting. Then use your resources and relationships well instead of waiting.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 48 Right Action
You're at a moment when opportunities are on your side. But if you don't know how to use them because you keep putting off decisions and actions, being in the right place at the right time won't do you any good. It's not about looking for new things but about making use of what you have, or there will be loss.
The town is changed, the well is not. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They come and go, and draw from the well. Nearly there, the rope does not yet reach the well; if the jar breaks, misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
48 Right Action → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 4 and 6
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1 and 2
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1 and 3
- 12Declinelines 2 and 3
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2 and 4
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 3 and 4
- 14Wealthlines 1 and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2 and 5
- 64Transitionlines 3 and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 4 and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1 and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2 and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3 and 6
- 32What Lastslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.