Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Thrift becomes Opposites

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire above, a lake below, each moving its own way: with the upper three lines changing, thrift becomes 38 Opposites. The two judgments weigh evenly. The first asks you to hold on to your resources and energy so you're ready for what comes, avoiding a bitter restraint that can't last. The second describes opposition: the people around you are different, yet you need to share with them, and for now what you can achieve together is small. Still, don't give in; each side keeps its nature and contributes from there. The meeting point is modest expectations. Don't pour everything into forcing agreement or converting anyone. Invest in the small common ground that exists. Keep your own way while respecting theirs. Measured effort works better here than big gestures.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 38 Opposites

    You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.

    In small matters, good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Lake stays
Above Water Fire

The way back

38 Opposites → 60 Thrift
lines 4, 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.

Toss the coins