Transformation · lines 2, 3, 5, and 6

A Subordinate Role becomes Gathering with Equals

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire rises toward Heaven when lines two, three, five and six move. The still lines of 13 Gathering with Equals carry the counsel. Its first says shared projects should be done in the open, with nothing hidden. Its fourth says that despite differences, reaching agreements lets trust return little by little. Out of A Subordinate Role, this is a move toward partnership. The hierarchy may be softening into something more equal. Help it along by being transparent: share your aims and don't hold secret plans. Where there are disagreements, negotiate in good faith rather than nursing grudges. Trust grows slowly but surely when everything is on the table. A community of equals can replace a ladder of ranks. Openness becomes the new ground you stand on.

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 13 Gathering with Equals, which stays still

    Shared projects should be carried out in the open, with nothing hidden.

    Community at the gate. No fault.

  2. Line 4 of 13 Gathering with Equals, which stays still

    Despite the differences, if you reach agreements, trust will come back little by little.

    Climbing up on the wall, yet unable to attack. Good fortune.

  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 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 13 Gathering with Equals

    It's a time of meetings with people of a high nature like yours, with whom you can carry out important tasks and projects. Relationships built on trust and mutual support take shape. Large, innovative projects are favored.

    Community in the open country. Success. It is favorable to cross the great river. The constancy of the noble person is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Lake Fire
Above Thunder Heaven

The way back

13 Gathering with Equals → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 2, 3, 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.

Toss the coins