Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 6

A Subordinate Role becomes The Flame

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire upon fire: the second, third and top lines move, and the figure becomes doubled brightness. Both judgments weigh the same. Being in A Subordinate Role means yielding the front position and acting to suit it. 30 The Flame speaks of clarity: your inner self guides you toward your goals, and sharing your light generously increases your achievements. Combined, these say that clarity doesn't depend on rank. You can see clearly and act wisely from a modest position, and your light can still reach others. Let your understanding guide your steps within your role. Offer what you see to the people around you without demanding credit. A flame doesn't need to be the largest in the room to give light. Clear, generous presence in second place often matters more than a dim one in first.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The trigrams

Below Lake Fire
Above Thunder Fire

The way back

30 The Flame → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 2, 3, 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