Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5

A Subordinate Role becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The four inner lines move, and Water now stands above Fire, a crossing just completed. The still lines of 63 After the End speak. Its first says that moving too fast won't bring results, but stopping to wait for better conditions can. Its top line says this is a period of advance, and that retreating or stalling would bring trouble. Taken together with A Subordinate Role, they describe a delicate timing. Don't rush forward on your own, but don't freeze either. Wait for the right conditions, and when they arrive, move ahead steadily without turning back. Prepare also for the quieter period that tends to follow success, so you can soften it. Patience at the start and resolve once moving are both needed.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 1 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    If you try to move ahead too fast, you won't get results. But if you can stop and wait for better conditions, there will be achievements.

    Drags back on its wheels; wets its tail. No fault.

  2. Line 6 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    This is a period of advance: retreating or stopping will bring you trouble.

    Wets its head. Danger.

  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 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  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 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

The trigrams

Below Lake Fire
Above Thunder Water

The way back

63 After the End → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 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.

Toss the coins