Transformation · lines 5 and 6
A Subordinate Role becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven over the Lake: the top and fifth lines move, the top leading. It warns that service given with resentment loses its rewards. The fifth says that calmly accepting a modest position brings success, and your talent shows anyway. The resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, describes a difficult situation in which conducting yourself with awareness and gentleness can win over even potential rivals. Together: don't let bitterness show in how you move. Tread with grace. Accept your place without resentment, behave with tact, and let your conduct speak. People who might block you can give way, or even become allies, when they see no hostility in you. The empty basket becomes a full one when service and manners come from the heart.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 54 A Subordinate Rolelines 5 and 6
Other transformations of A Subordinate Role
- 16Passionlines 1 and 2
- 32What Lastslines 1 and 3
- 55Abundancelines 2 and 3
- 7The Armylines 1 and 4
- 24Coming Backlines 2 and 4
- 11Well-Beinglines 3 and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 2 and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 3 and 5
- 60Thriftlines 4 and 5
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 6
- 21Bitinglines 2 and 6
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 6
- 41Decreaselines 4 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.