Transformation · lines 1 and 6
A Subordinate Role becomes Transition
What this change means
Fire above and Water below: the top and first lines change, the top leading. The top line warns that a secondary role carried out with resentment loses all its rewards, like an empty basket at a ceremony. The first offers the opposite picture: helping quietly from the background lets even someone who limps move forward. The resulting hexagram, 64 Transition, says things are coming together for success, but some pieces haven't fallen into place, and mistakes born of immaturity could throw you off. The choice is clear. Resentment would make you hesitate or stumble just as things are converging. Wholehearted service keeps you alert and steady. Do your part fully, watch for errors, and let the pieces settle. The crossing isn't complete yet, so attention matters more than ambition.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 1 and 6
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
- 16Passionlines 1 and 2
- 32What Lastslines 1 and 3
- 55Abundancelines 2 and 3
- 7The Armylines 1 and 4
- 24Coming Backlines 2 and 4
- 11Well-Beinglines 3 and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 2 and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 3 and 5
- 60Thriftlines 4 and 5
- 21Bitinglines 2 and 6
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 6
- 41Decreaselines 4 and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.