Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 5

Gradual Progress becomes The Flame

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire appears above and below as the first, fourth and fifth lines change, and the gradual figure becomes doubled brightness. The two judgments now speak together. Gradual Progress says success arrives in stages, and pushing creates delays. 30 The Flame speaks of clarity: your inner self guides you toward your goals, and a generous attitude that shares your light increases what you achieve. Combined, they say that patience and clarity go hand in hand. You can see where you're going; there's no need to sprint. Let your understanding light each step, and offer it to others along the way. Clarity that's shared tends to attract help, while clarity used only to rush ahead tends to burn out. Keep the flame steady and the pace measured, and the goal you see so clearly will come within reach in its own time.

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 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

  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 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.

  5. Line 5 of 53 Gradual Progress

    In the middle of your progress you're cut off, and hostile people stir up misunderstandings around you. All you can do is wait calmly for this to pass; it will pass on its own.

    The wild goose moves by degrees to the hill. For three years the wife does not conceive; in the end nothing overcomes her. Good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Fire
Above Wind Fire

The way back

30 The Flame → 53 Gradual Progress
lines 1, 4, and 5

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