What this change means
Fire above water: four lines move, and the hexagram becomes 64 Transition. The reading rests on the second and third lines, which stay still. The second says patience matters, and so does acting only at the right moment, but the waiting should be spent getting ready. The third warns that acting hastily or forcing things leads to failure; recognizing that and leaning on those who can help you will get you back on course. So things are coming together, but not everything is in place yet. This is where thrift's preparation pays off. Use the waiting time to get organized, not to fret. Don't jump before it's time just because you're close. If you've already rushed, admit it and ask for help. Careful readiness now prevents the mistakes that often happen right at the threshold.
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 64 Transition, which stays still
Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.
Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 64 Transition, which stays still
Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.
Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 4 of 60 Thrift
For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.
Calm measure. Success.
- 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 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 60 Thriftlines 1, 4, 5, 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
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 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
- 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.