What this change means
Only the fourth line stays still, and the figure becomes Fire over Water, each element still out of its place. That quiet fourth line of 64 Transition, the resulting hexagram, holds the advice: it's time to act, so get clear on what you're after and go straight toward it, and your progress can keep growing and holding. The renewal has carried you to a threshold. Things are coming together, though some pieces haven't fallen into place yet. That's no reason to hesitate. Set a clear aim and go for it directly, while staying alert to mistakes born of inexperience. Watch especially for stalling once you're close, or for loosening your attention after a first success. Clear intent and steady follow-through are what turn this in-between moment into a real crossing.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 64 Transition, which stays still
The time for action has come. Define what you want and head straight for it: you'll make growing, lasting progress.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. With the force of thunder the land of Guifang is attacked; in three years comes a reward from the great kingdom.
- The judgment of 49 Renewal
You're in a time of renewal, like shedding a skin. Open yourself to change and to new ways of doing things. Success lies in taking each step at exactly the right moment, and in weighing what needs to change and what doesn't, what is no longer doing its job. Don't be afraid to let it go: you need to make room for the new to arrive.
When the day has come, there is trust. Great success. Constancy is favorable. Regret vanishes.
- Line 1 of 49 Renewal
Don't rush into changes. Wait until conditions are favorable and you're clear about what you want to renew.
Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox.
- Line 2 of 49 Renewal
When you've tried several things to solve something and nothing works, it's time for radical change.
When the day has come, the change is made. Setting out brings good fortune. No fault.
- Line 3 of 49 Renewal
Neither dragging things out nor acting in too much of a hurry is the right way to go about it now. Ask for signs, so you act at the right moment.
Setting out brings misfortune. Constancy is in danger. When word of the change has come round three times, there is sincere trust.
- Line 5 of 49 Renewal
Renewal will come naturally, guided by a higher will that shows you the way to act.
The great person changes like the tiger. Before any divining, there is sincere trust.
- Line 6 of 49 Renewal
Take stock of the changes you can actually make now, given the circumstances. A change that's too ambitious has to wait for a better time.
The noble person changes like the leopard; the petty person changes face. Setting out brings misfortune. Abiding in constancy brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 49 Renewallines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Renewal
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.