Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Going Up becomes Leaving Behind
What this change means
A mountain under Heaven: four lines move, and the climb turns into a retreat. The bottom and third lines of the resulting hexagram, 33 Leaving Behind, don't move, and they set the advice. The first says that when retreat can't be avoided, losses come if you don't pull back quickly and actively, still hoping to get something from that road. The third says that if, while leaving, you let circumstances tempt you to stay, you'll need allies to make even small progress. The resulting hexagram adds that stepping back can restore your strength and turn an apparent loss into a gain. Coming from Going Up, this may mean leaving a path you've climbed for a while. Do it cleanly and promptly. Don't linger for one last reward. A clear exit preserves what you've gained.
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 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still
In hard times, when retreat can't be avoided, you'll suffer losses if you don't pull back quickly and actively and still hope to get something out of that road.
Retreating at the tail. Danger. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet.
- Line 3 of 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still
If, just as you're leaving something behind, you still let circumstances tempt you to stay, you'll need to find allies to make even a little progress.
A tethered retreat. There is sickness, danger. Keeping servants and maids: good fortune.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 46 Going Up
If your words are sincere and you keep good manners in your dealings with others, you'll succeed.
If there is sincere trust, it is favorable to make the simple offering. No fault.
- Line 4 of 46 Going Up
This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No fault.
- Line 5 of 46 Going Up
Don't let success cloud your judgment. Go step by step, enjoying each moment, without rushing or being dazzled by power.
Constancy brings good fortune. Ascends by the steps.
- Line 6 of 46 Going Up
Keep in mind what you want to achieve and don't let circumstances pull you away from your goals.
Ascent in the dark. A constancy that never rests is favorable.
- The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 46 Going Uplines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Going Up
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.