Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

Meeting becomes Simplicity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A mountain within the earth replaces the lake above it: the third, fourth and fifth lines move, and the gathering asks for a low profile. Both judgments weigh equally. Meeting describes a fortunate time to gather allies around something worthwhile. The resulting hexagram, 15 Simplicity, asks you not to boast or show off; keep things simple and fair, and your qualities will be recognized on their own. That's good advice for any group. If you're the one who brought people together, don't make it about you. Share credit, divide the work evenly, and give more to those who have less. Modesty is what makes a gathering feel safe for everyone in it. People notice who does the work quietly, and they tend to trust that person. Let your actions speak; the recognition you want comes more easily when you aren't chasing it.

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 45 Meeting

    A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.

    Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

  2. The judgment of 15 Simplicity

    This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.

    Success. The noble person reaches the end.

  3. Line 3 of 45 Meeting

    You're trying to meet with people who aren't willing. If you look for someone who can bring you closer to that group, you'll get help.

    Gathering, sighing. Nothing is favorable. Going: no fault. Small distress.

  4. Line 4 of 45 Meeting

    When you act without selfish aims and on behalf of someone above you, you're rewarded.

    Great good fortune. No fault.

  5. Line 5 of 45 Meeting

    You meet like-minded people, but also people who are somewhat wary of you. It's important to win their trust to reach your goals.

    Gathering in one's place. No fault. Where there is no trust, a great and lasting constancy: regret vanishes.

The trigrams

Below Earth Mountain
Above Lake Earth

The way back

15 Simplicity → 45 Meeting
lines 3, 4, and 5

Other transformations of Meeting

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins