Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6

A Subordinate Role becomes Increase

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind above Thunder: lines two, four, five and six move together. The still lines of 42 Increase carry the counsel. Its first says this is a good moment to carry out important projects. Its third says good fortune surrounds you, with hidden blessings even in situations that look hard, as long as you do things the right way. After A Subordinate Role, this is an opening. Your patience and loyalty may now bear fruit. Take on the significant work you've been preparing for. Don't be put off by difficulties; they may contain gifts. Keep your methods clean and your intentions honest, follow good examples, and correct old faults. Growth is available, and the right way of doing things is what secures it.

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 42 Increase, which stays still

    It's a good moment to carry out important projects.

    It is favorable to undertake a great work. Great good fortune. No fault.

  2. Line 3 of 42 Increase, which stays still

    Good fortune surrounds you: even in situations that might seem hard, there are hidden blessings. What matters is doing things the right way.

    Increased through unhappy events. No fault. There is sincere trust; walking the middle way, they come before the duke with the jade tablet.

  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 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.

  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 42 Increase

    You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.

    It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Lake Thunder
Above Thunder Wind

The way back

42 Increase → 54 A Subordinate Role
lines 2, 4, 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