What this change means
Mountain joined to mountain: five lines move and only the fourth holds still, turning thrift into 52 Abiding. The reading rests on that single line. It says you can stay calm and trust the universe to look after things. After all the adjusting of limits, this is a moment simply to stop. Stillness is the right way forward now: stay centered and steady, and wait for outer conditions to show when it's time to act. Don't reach beyond what's happening today. The calm measure of the unmoving fourth line, the kind you can enjoy, is the key. Rest in it. Trust doesn't mean doing nothing forever; it means not forcing what isn't ready. A quiet mind keeps your reserves intact for when you need them.
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 52 Abiding, which stays still
You're able to stay calm and trust that the universe will take care of things.
Still the trunk. No fault.
- The judgment of 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
- Line 1 of 60 Thrift
Watch for the signs that tell you when it's time to stop.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the door. No fault.
- Line 2 of 60 Thrift
When it's time to move forward, hurry: hesitating without acting will bring trouble.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the gate. Misfortune.
- Line 3 of 60 Thrift
When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.
One without measure will sigh afterward. No fault.
- Line 5 of 60 Thrift
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- Line 6 of 60 Thrift
There are times when restrictions that seem extreme are called for. This is an exceptional time and it needs that kind of behavior, but don't keep it up too long.
Bitter measure. Even with constancy, misfortune. Regret vanishes.
- The judgment of 52 Abiding
It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.
Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
52 Abiding → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Thrift
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.