Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6

Gradual Progress becomes Renewal

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire below and Lake above: with lines one, four and six changing, the old skin starts to come away. Two judgments, equal weight. Gradual Progress says to proceed in stages; 49 Renewal says a deep change is underway and asks you to open to new ways of doing things. The key is timing: take each step at exactly the right moment, and weigh what needs to change and what doesn't. Combining them, renewal here isn't a sudden revolution. It happens step by step, with care, like an animal that sheds its old skin only when the new one is ready. Let go of what no longer does its job, keep what still works, and make room for the new without rushing it. The early talk and the midway obstacles were part of the molt.

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 49 Renewal

    You're in a time of renewal, like shedding a skin. Open yourself to change and to new ways of doing things. Success lies in taking each step at exactly the right moment, and in weighing what needs to change and what doesn't, what is no longer doing its job. Don't be afraid to let it go: you need to make room for the new to arrive.

    When the day has come, there is trust. Great success. Constancy is favorable. Regret vanishes.

  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 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

Below Mountain Fire
Above Wind Lake

The way back

49 Renewal → 53 Gradual Progress
lines 1, 4, and 6

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