Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6
Gradual Progress becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder on the mountain: the fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the Wind above becomes Thunder. Two judgments in balance. Gradual Progress counsels staged advance; 62 Success in Small Matters says this isn't a time for great things but for small ones, and that trying to go beyond your present means and resources leads you astray and wastes effort. Together they ask for modest goals and careful steps. This is no moment for a dramatic leap, however tempting the momentum feels. Take small actions, finish small tasks well, and stay within what you actually have. A bird that flies too high in a storm gets lost; one that keeps low finds shelter. Living in step with the moment is its own success, and the small gains you gather now will hold up the larger ones later.
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 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 53 Gradual Progresslines 4, 5, 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
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 6
- 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
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.