Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Success in Small Matters becomes Activity
What this change means
Pure Heaven, above and below, is what four moving lines make of this restrained figure, the strongest change possible from such a start. The reading looks to the still lines of 1 Activity. Its third line notes that things are working, yet you worry for no clear reason. Its fourth line says the moment has come to decide whether you'll keep going or stop. The hexagram itself speaks of new beginnings, flourishing and the qualities needed to carry an undertaking through. After a time of small achievements, real energy is available, and with it a choice. Don't let groundless worry eat at what is going well. Look clearly at where you are and decide, consciously, whether to go on or pause. Either can be right; what matters is that you choose instead of drifting.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 1 Activity, which stays still
Things are working, yet you worry for no apparent reason.
The noble person strives and strives all day long, and at nightfall is still watchful. Danger. No fault.
- Line 4 of 1 Activity, which stays still
It's time to decide whether you want to keep moving forward or stop.
Perhaps it leaps in the abyss. No fault.
- The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
- Line 1 of 62 Success in Small Matters
Failing to recognize your limits and trying to go beyond what you can do right now will bring you loss.
The bird in flight: so, misfortune.
- Line 2 of 62 Success in Small Matters
Recognizing your limitations right now and focusing on small achievements will bear fruit.
Passes the grandfather and meets the grandmother; does not reach the lord and meets the minister. No fault.
- Line 5 of 62 Success in Small Matters
Your humility will help you find people who will act on your behalf.
Thick clouds, yet no rain, out of our western fields. The prince shoots a corded arrow and takes what is in the cave.
- Line 6 of 62 Success in Small Matters
If you insist on chasing goals that are out of reach for now, you'll lose whatever you put into them.
Not meeting it, goes past it. The bird in flight falls into the net. Misfortune. This is called calamity and ruin.
- The judgment of 1 Activity
The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.
Great success. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
1 Activity → 62 Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Success in Small Matters
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 20Observinglines 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.