Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 6
Gradual Progress becomes Inaction
What this change means
Heaven below and Water above: the first, second and top lines move, and the figure becomes clouds gathering in the sky. With three lines moving, both judgments speak. Gradual Progress says progress comes in stages; 5 Inaction says it's time to wait rather than act, though waiting isn't the same as standing still. Prepare for the active period ahead, look at the conditions without fooling yourself, and stay alert for the signal to move. The two texts fit together. You've taken the early steps and seen some reward; now a pause is part of the plan, not a failure of it. Relax into it, eat and rest well, and keep watching the sky. Trying to force the rain only tires you. When the moment to act arrives, you'll want to meet it rested and ready.
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 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 53 Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, and 6
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 3
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 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
- 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.