What this change means
Five lines move, the fifth alone holding, and the trigrams become Thunder below and Lake above, thunder resting inside the lake. Everything hinges on that unmoving fifth line, which says that when a larger purpose drives you, a dream that lifts you, you can get what you want. The resulting hexagram, 17 Adapting, describes a time both to lead and to follow: see the place life is asking you to take now, act genuinely from there, and you gain more leadership and more support. After the long patience of Gentleness, this is a call to know what you're serving. A clear aim gives direction to every small adjustment. Find the purpose that moves you, accept the role the moment gives you, and follow it wholeheartedly.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting, which stays still
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 57 Gentleness
Don't give in to indecision: going forward and back will delay your success. Right now firm, decisive action is better than wavering.
Advancing and retreating. The constancy of the warrior is favorable.
- Line 2 of 57 Gentleness
You're being held back by dark forces you can't identify. So it's wise to turn to people who, through magical practices, can help you move forward.
Yielding beneath the bed. Scribes and diviners are called in great numbers. Good fortune. No fault.
- Line 3 of 57 Gentleness
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.
- Line 4 of 57 Gentleness
You're able to act as the situation requires, so go ahead, without haste but without delay, and you'll succeed.
Regret vanishes. In the hunt, three kinds of game are taken.
- Line 6 of 57 Gentleness
If you lose heart and drop the project because you don't see results yet, you'll lose what you've gained.
Yielding beneath the bed. Loses goods and axe. Even with constancy, misfortune.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
17 Adapting → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Gentleness
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.