Transformation · lines 2 and 4

A Subordinate Role becomes Coming Back

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The second and fourth lines change, and Thunder stirs beneath the Earth: something returns from below. The fourth line leads with a promise of timing: patience will bring you what you're after, and in good shape. The second asks you to remain loyal even if the person you answer to overlooks you. The resulting hexagram, 24 Coming Back, describes a return after a dark stretch. People may come to help, and your projects can be favored. It also asks you to remember the mistakes that led you into difficulty, so you don't repeat them. Read together, the lines say that your patience and faithfulness are what make the return possible. Stay steady, don't rush the turn, and when things come back, keep the lessons close.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  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. The judgment of 24 Coming Back

    After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.

    Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

The trigrams

Below Lake Thunder
Above Thunder Earth

The way back

24 Coming Back → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 2 and 4

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