Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Gradual Progress becomes Thrift
What this change means
With four lines moving, the first three and the top, the figure becomes Water above Lake, and the guidance comes from the still lines of 60 Thrift. Its fourth line says the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and that finding their kinder side makes them work. Its fifth line asks you to accept the restrictions of the moment yourself, not only expect them of others. In the context of Gradual Progress, this suggests a sustainable discipline. Stages need limits, but harsh rules break down sooner or later. Set measures you can live with, apply them to yourself first, and look for the pleasure in moderation. Saved energy and resources will be there when the next stage asks for them. A gentle, consistent limit carries you further than a strict one you drop after a week.
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 60 Thrift, which stays still
For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.
Calm measure. Success.
- Line 5 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 6 of 53 Gradual Progress
You're moving successfully toward your goal. You'll get what you want and may even inspire others.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the high plain. Its feathers can serve in the ritual dance. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
The trigrams
The way back
60 Thrift → 53 Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 21Bitinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 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.