Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
A Subordinate Role becomes The Fall
What this change means
Mountain comes to rest on Earth with lines one, two, four and six in motion. The still lines of 23 The Fall carry the counsel. Its third line says that turning to spiritual resources and inner help keeps adversity at bay. Its fifth says unexpected help may arrive and put you in a favorable position. Coming out of A Subordinate Role, this is a time when outer conditions erode and words carry little weight. Don't fight it head-on. Draw on your inner life, whatever practice steadies you, and stay open to help that comes from unexpected directions. Your modest place may actually protect you while things are stripped away. Be generous with those who depend on you, hold on, and let the surprising support find you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.
Stripping. No fault.
- Line 5 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
You'll receive unexpected help that puts you in a favorable position.
Fish strung in a row: favor like that of the palace ladies. Nothing that is not favorable.
- 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 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 6 of 54 A Subordinate Role
Holding a subordinate position with resentment or unease only makes you lose the rewards you'd find if you did it wholeheartedly.
The woman holds the basket, and there is nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep, and there is no blood. Nothing is favorable.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 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.