Transformation · lines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Gentleness becomes Fleeting Success
What this change means
Lake forms below and Earth above as the first, third, fifth and top lines move: earth rising over a lake, drawing close to it. The still lines of the resulting hexagram lead. Its second line says that recognizing every situation is impermanent lets you move through each phase without fear, trusting that you have what you need. Its fourth says joining with the people under you and supporting them helps you stay stable. The resulting hexagram, 19 Fleeting Success, describes a period of luck and well-being that is limited in time; afterward conditions change. Make the most of it, read the signs, and take precautions before the decline, which you can't avoid but can soften. So enjoy the good spell, support those around you, and prepare calmly for what follows.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 19 Fleeting Success, which stays still
Recognizing that every situation is impermanent will let you move through each phase not from fear, but trusting that you have what you need to get through it.
Drawing near together. Good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 4 of 19 Fleeting Success, which stays still
Joining with the people under you and supporting them will help you stay stable.
Drawing near all the way. No fault.
- 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 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 19 Fleeting Success
A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
19 Fleeting Success → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Gentleness
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.