Transformation · lines 2 and 4
Gradual Progress becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
With the second and fourth lines moving, Wind below and Heaven above meet in an encounter you'll need to handle with care. The fourth line leads: unexpected situations interrupt your advance, and caution and wise responses are what keep you safe. The second line has already given you a small success and a chance to rest. The resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness, names the danger in that comfort. Unsuitable people or habits may be close by, and you may believe you can manage them without much effort. If you don't set firm limits, they can end up controlling you. So use your rest well, but don't let it make you careless. Look honestly at who and what you're letting in, draw clear lines, and keep your footing while the situation settles. Firmness now protects the progress you've already made.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 53 Gradual Progresslines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 2
- 42Increaselines 1 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1 and 4
- 12Declinelines 3 and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 5
- 23The Falllines 3 and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 4 and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1 and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2 and 6
- 8Unionlines 3 and 6
- 31Attractionlines 4 and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.