Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
A Subordinate Role becomes Held Back
What this change means
Every line except the top one changes, and Water rises over Mountain. The top line of 39 Held Back holds the counsel: you've reached enough maturity and confidence to face difficulties calmly and to help others, and in turn you can receive help from those above you. After so much movement out of A Subordinate Role, this is a sign of growth. The secondary role has taught you something. Obstacles may still block the way, but you can now meet them without panic and even support others through them. Let that exchange work both ways: give help freely, and accept it from people in higher positions. Stopping, stepping back and asking for support are signs of maturity, not weakness. Each obstacle passed together brings you closer to the goal.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
You've reached such maturity and confidence that you can face difficulties calmly and help others; in the same way, you'll receive help from those above you.
Going: hardship. Coming: greatness. Good fortune. It is favorable to see the great person.
- The judgment of 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.
Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
- Line 1 of 54 A Subordinate Role
If you know how to hold your subordinate place and stay in the background, helping from there however you can without seeking the spotlight, things will go well.
The young woman marries as a second wife. The lame can walk. Setting out brings good fortune.
- Line 2 of 54 A Subordinate Role
Even if the person you answer to ignores you, keep your position and your loyalty: this will show your greatness.
The one-eyed can see. The constancy of the one who lives apart is favorable.
- Line 3 of 54 A Subordinate Role
Given the present circumstances, it's better to stay in a subordinate position than to be alone.
The young woman marries as a servant; she comes back and marries as a second wife.
- Line 4 of 54 A Subordinate Role
If you know how to wait, you'll get what you want, and get it perfectly.
The young woman lets the time for her wedding pass. A late marriage has its hour.
- Line 5 of 54 A Subordinate Role
Calmly accepting a subordinate position right now will bring you success. Your talent will show in spite of a situation that seems unfavorable.
Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. The lady's sleeves were not as fine as the second wife's. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.