Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 6

Gentleness becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire below and Water above replace the two winds as the first, second and top lines move: water poised over fire, everything in place for a moment. The judgments of both hexagrams weigh equally. Gentleness asks for soft, steady effort, a single path, small actions that build up, and support sought from those above. The resulting hexagram, 63 After the End, describes a passing success. Everything may seem to be in your favor, but at the end comes a stretch of stagnation, and preparing for it ahead of time can soften its effects. Put together, they ask you not to mistake arrival for a reason to stop paying attention. Enjoy the good outcome, keep up the habits that got you here, and use the favorable time to get ready for the slower one.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Wind Fire
Above Wind Water

The way back

63 After the End → 57 Gentleness
lines 1, 2, 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.

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