Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6
A Subordinate Role becomes Small Things
What this change means
The upper four lines change, and Wind now blows above Heaven. The still lines of 9 Small Things guide you. Its first says retreating to ground you can manage is called for, and that's shrewd rather than a defeat. Its second says that even if circumstances push you forward, the wiser course is to return and get ready for a later, better chance. From A Subordinate Role, this reinforces restraint. You may feel pressure to advance, but the time isn't ripe. Return to ground you know, handle small matters well, and build your readiness. Obstacles still need resolving before larger action makes sense. Holding back now isn't timidity; it's preparation for a bigger, better-timed step. When the clouds finally gather into rain, you'll be ready to move with them.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 9 Small Things, which stays still
What's called for now is to fall back to situations where you have more control. This isn't a loss: it's a smart move.
Returning by its own way. What fault could there be? Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 9 Small Things, which stays still
Even though circumstances push you to advance, for now it's time to go back and prepare to act at a better moment.
Led back. Good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 judgment of 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
The trigrams
The way back
9 Small Things → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.