Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5
A Subordinate Role becomes Inaction
What this change means
Heaven below and Water above: the third, fourth and fifth lines change, and clouds rise into the sky. The two judgments are balanced. The starting judgment advises against pushing from where you stand. 5 Inaction says it's time to wait, not act, though waiting isn't idleness: prepare for the active time ahead, see the conditions as they really are, and stay alert. The two match closely. Your role and the moment both counsel patience. Use it well. Learn, organize, rest, and enjoy what you can. Don't lie to yourself about where you stand, and don't let impatience push you into moves that would fail. Destiny follows its own course, and when it turns, you'll want to be ready rather than worn out from fighting it.
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 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 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.
- 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
5 Inaction → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 3, 4, 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
- 49Renewallines 2, 3, and 5
- 29Waterlines 1, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 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.