What this change means
When the second, third and fifth lines move, the lower Wind becomes Earth and the upper becomes Mountain: a mountain resting on the ground, worn down from above. Both judgments have equal say. Gentleness recommends a quiet path, small steps, no pressure, and support sought from those above. The resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, describes a hard season of obstacles, when even being right doesn't get you believed, and people who misuse power are rising. Trying to push ahead tends to make you their target. Recognize the time for what it is, don't force progress, and be generous with those below you; that helps you hold steady while circumstances shift. Here gentleness becomes endurance. Keep your foundations strong, give where you can, and wait out the erosion without feeding it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 57 Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Gentleness
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, and 4
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 3, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 3, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.