Transformation · lines 2, 3, 5, and 6
Gradual Progress becomes The Army
What this change means
Water within the earth: the second, third, fifth and sixth lines change, and the shape of an organized force appears. The still lines of 7 The Army speak. Its first line says you need a just cause to move in the direction you want. Its fourth says that if you don't have enough in place to succeed, stepping back and waiting for a more favorable time is the wiser course. In the light of Gradual Progress, this asks for discipline and an honest assessment of your readiness. Check that your goal is fair and that you can defend it openly. Then look at your resources, allies and preparation. If something essential is missing, withdraw in good order, organize, and return when you're ready. Retreating at the right time is part of advancing by degrees, not a betrayal of it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 7 The Army, which stays still
There has to be a just cause for you to move in the direction you want.
The army sets out under discipline. Without good order: misfortune.
- Line 4 of 7 The Army, which stays still
If you feel you don't have enough in place to succeed, it's better to pull back and wait for a better moment to act again.
The army withdraws and makes camp. No fault.
- 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 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 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.
- 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 7 The Army
Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.
The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
7 The Army → 53 Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, 5, 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
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 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
- 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.