Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Abundance becomes Gentleness
What this change means
Wind following wind: five lines move, leaving only the third in place. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 57 Gentleness, carries the reading. It says that thinking about what to do without deciding to do what's needed will only delay your success. The resulting hexagram adds that gains come through gentleness, not big actions, pressure or force. Choose a path and keep to it steadily; even when progress looks slow, small actions add up, and support from those above you helps. Coming out of Abundance, the risk is drifting, mulling things over without committing. Make the decision. Then carry it out softly and persistently, without forcing. Gentle doesn't mean undecided. Once the choice is made, steady small steps will do the rest.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 57 Gentleness, which stays still
Thinking about what to do without making up your mind to do what needs doing will only delay your success.
Yielding again and again. Distress.
- The judgment of 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- Line 1 of 55 Abundance
It's a very favorable time, but it asks for determined, energetic action from you to make the results greater.
Meets the lord who is its match. Even for ten days, no fault. Going earns esteem.
- Line 2 of 55 Abundance
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, good fortune.
- Line 4 of 55 Abundance
The shadows and obstacles that came up for a while are beginning to fade. If you act wisely and decisively, everything will go well.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Meets the lord who is its like. Good fortune.
- Line 5 of 55 Abundance
You're willing to listen to advice and act on it; this will make difficult situations give way naturally.
Brilliance comes; there is blessing and renown. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 55 Abundance
Your pride may get in the way of what you want and delay your success.
Full is the house, the home screened over. Peering through the door: silence, no one there. For three years no one is seen. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 57 Gentleness
It's a time when you'll gain and succeed through gentleness. This isn't the time for big actions, or for using pressure or force. It's a time to choose a path and stay on it steadily. Even if you don't see much progress, success will show itself through the build-up of small actions and through seeking the support of those above you.
Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.
The trigrams
The way back
57 Gentleness → 55 Abundancelines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Abundance
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.