Transformation · lines 1, 4, 5, and 6

A Subordinate Role becomes Release from Obstacles

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind moves over Water as lines one, four, five and six shift. The still lines of 59 Release from Obstacles guide you. Its second says that recognizing how you've isolated yourself from shared purposes helps you get past the obstacles. Its third says that if your goals are clear, you can give ground to find unity and move beyond what blocks you. In A Subordinate Role, this may point to a quiet withdrawal you've made, out of hurt or pride. Notice it. Reconnect with the common aims. Knowing what you really want lets you yield on small things without losing yourself. Unity is the key that releases you now, and giving way gracefully is the path to it. Unity, once found, opens the way.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 2 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still

    Recognizing that you've isolated yourself and pulled away from shared purposes will help you get past the obstacles.

    In the scattering, it runs to its support. Regret vanishes.

  2. Line 3 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still

    If you're clear about your goals and purposes, you'll be able to give ground so as to find unity and get past the obstacles.

    Scatters its own self. No regret.

  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 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles

    You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.

    Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Lake Water
Above Thunder Wind

The way back

59 Release from Obstacles → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 1, 4, 5, and 6

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.

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