Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Thrift becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
A tree grows slowly on a mountain: four lines move, and the hexagram becomes 53 Gradual Progress. The reading rests on the fourth and fifth lines, which stay still. The fourth says that in the middle of your progress, things beyond your control may come up; don't despair, act with caution and respond wisely, and you'll stay safe as conditions improve. The fifth says you may be cut off, with hostile people stirring up misunderstandings; all you can do is wait calmly, and it will pass on its own. So progress comes, but not smoothly. Expect interruptions. Measure here means patience: not reacting too strongly, not forcing your way through. Keep moving one rung at a time, and when you're blocked, wait it out calmly.
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 53 Gradual Progress, which stays still
In the middle of your progress, situations come up that are out of your control. Don't despair: act with caution and respond wisely to these obstacles. That way you'll stay safe while conditions improve.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the tree. Perhaps it finds a flat branch. No fault.
- Line 5 of 53 Gradual Progress, which stays still
In the middle of your progress you're cut off, and hostile people stir up misunderstandings around you. All you can do is wait calmly for this to pass; it will pass on its own.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the hill. For three years the wife does not conceive; in the end nothing overcomes her. Good fortune.
- 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 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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Thrift
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 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.