Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5
A Subordinate Role becomes Renewal
What this change means
Fire below and Lake above: with lines two, three and five in motion, an old skin begins to loosen. Both judgments count. The first tells you to stay in your supporting place and respond to what the moment asks. 49 Renewal says a deep change is underway: open to new ways of doing things, take each step at the right moment, and weigh what must change and what should stay. Together, they suggest that the renewal you sense may begin with your attitude toward your role. Let go of old resentments or expectations that no longer serve you. Make room for a new way of being in this position. Change will come in its season, and you'll be ready for it if you've already shed what was holding you back.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 49 Renewal
You're in a time of renewal, like shedding a skin. Open yourself to change and to new ways of doing things. Success lies in taking each step at exactly the right moment, and in weighing what needs to change and what doesn't, what is no longer doing its job. Don't be afraid to let it go: you need to make room for the new to arrive.
When the day has come, there is trust. Great success. Constancy is favorable. Regret vanishes.
- 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 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.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
49 Renewal → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, and 3
- 2Passivitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 46Going Uplines 1, 3, and 4
- 36Darknesslines 2, 3, and 4
- 45Meetinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 28Excesseslines 1, 3, and 5
- 29Waterlines 1, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 3, 4, and 5
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 2, 3, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 2, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 3, 4, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 1, 5, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 2, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 3, 5, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.