Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Gentleness becomes Coming Back
What this change means
Only the fourth line holds as the other five move, and the trigrams become Thunder below and Earth above: thunder stirring within the ground, life returning. The reading rests on that still fourth line of the resulting hexagram, which asks you to see the people near you as they truly are and to distance yourself from the ones who aren't right for you; even if you're alone for a while, you'll find guidance and help. The resulting hexagram, 24 Coming Back, describes a return after a time of adversity, when help comes and projects are favored, as long as you stay aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark. So this movement is about choosing your company with clear eyes. A short solitude is a fair price for a return that doesn't repeat the old fall.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 24 Coming Back, which stays still
If you notice who the people around you really are and step away from those you see aren't right, even if you're left without company for a while, you'll find guidance and help.
Walking in the middle of the others, returning alone.
- 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 5 of 57 Gentleness
It's time to change course. Reflect before you set out; once you know what you want, taking action will make your success certain.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Nothing that is not favorable. No beginning, yet an end. Three days before the geng day, three days after the geng day: good fortune.
- 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 24 Coming Back
After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.
Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
24 Coming Back → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 3, 5, 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.