Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5

A Subordinate Role becomes Attraction

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, the first three and the fifth, and a lake now rests on the mountain. The guidance comes from the still lines of 31 Attraction. Its fourth line says that centering yourself in your heart and inner resources lets what's right for you find you naturally. Its top line warns that trying to win support with words alone, without matching actions, leads only to modest results. In the context of A Subordinate Role, this is advice about influence without rank. You don't need a higher position to draw good things toward you, but you do need to be grounded and consistent. Speak less about what you'll do and show it more. Stay centered, stay receptive, and let your conduct attract the people and opportunities that fit you.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 4 of 31 Attraction, which stays still

    Centering yourself in your heart and your inner resources will let what is right for you find you naturally.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Restless, coming and going; friends follow your thoughts.

  2. Line 6 of 31 Attraction, which stays still

    If you try to influence others or win their support with words alone and not with matching actions, your achievements will be modest.

    Contact at the jaws, the cheeks, the tongue.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 31 Attraction

    You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.

    Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Lake Mountain
Above Thunder Lake

The way back

31 Attraction → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 1, 2, 3, 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.

Toss the coins