Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4
Gradual Progress becomes Activity
What this change means
Three lines move, the first, second and fourth, and both trigrams turn into Heaven: the slow, layered climb of Gradual Progress becomes pure creative force. With three lines changing, the two judgments carry equal weight. One says that real progress comes in stages, and that rushing creates delays. The other, 1 Activity, speaks of new beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities needed to carry an undertaking all the way through. The tension between them is the lesson. You have strength and momentum available, but strength works best when it's steady, like heaven moving without rest, rather than when it jumps ahead. Begin with energy, keep going without letting up, and still respect the order of the steps. The early talk and the obstacles in the middle are part of the path; a tireless, patient effort is what turns them into success.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 1 Activity
The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.
Great success. 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 4 of 53 Gradual Progress
In the middle of your progress, situations come up that are out of your control. Don't despair: act with caution and respond wisely to these obstacles. That way you'll stay safe while conditions improve.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the tree. Perhaps it finds a flat branch. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
1 Activity → 53 Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, and 4
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 3
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 4, and 5
- 35Advancelines 3, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 3, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.