Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3

Gradual Progress becomes Inner Integrity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

All three lower lines change, and the Mountain becomes Lake beneath the Wind. The whole base of Gradual Progress shifts at once: the shaky first steps, the first rest, and the risky push onto the high plain. With three lines moving, the two judgments speak in balance. Gradual Progress reminds you that what lasts is built in stages, like a marriage arranged with care, and that trying to speed things up only creates delays. The resulting hexagram, 61 Inner Integrity, adds the inner side: when you're whole within, it shows, and your truth can move others toward large undertakings. Put together, the counsel is to let your steadiness become visible. Keep your pace, keep your word, and trust that sincerity carries further than pressure. The stages still have to be climbed one by one, but now people can feel what drives you, and that draws support.

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 53 Gradual Progress

    You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.

    The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.

  2. The judgment of 61 Inner Integrity

    When you're whole within, it shows on the outside, and you'll be able to do great things and to let your truth move others toward great undertakings.

    Piglets and fish: good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

  3. Line 1 of 53 Gradual Progress

    Your first steps may be slow, and through lack of experience it may look at first as if you'll fail, so people will talk. Nothing to fear.

    The wild goose moves by degrees to the shore. The young one is in danger; there is talk. No fault.

  4. Line 2 of 53 Gradual Progress

    You'll have a first success as you move forward. Nothing spectacular, but it will let you rest and recharge to keep going.

    The wild goose moves by degrees to the boulder. It eats and drinks with joy. Good fortune.

  5. Line 3 of 53 Gradual Progress

    If you don't let things unfold at their own pace and try to hurry them, your progress will fail.

    The wild goose moves by degrees to the high plain. The husband marches off and does not return; the wife conceives and does not give birth. Misfortune. It is favorable to fend off raiders.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Lake
Above Wind stays

The way back

61 Inner Integrity → 53 Gradual Progress
lines 1, 2, and 3

Other transformations of Gradual Progress

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins