Transformation · lines 2, 3, 5, and 6

Success in Small Matters becomes Conflict

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven and water head in opposite directions after four lines change: friction is building. The reading weighs the still lines of 6 Conflict. Its first line says that standing your ground is the wisest choice, even when the situation stirs up gossip. Its fourth line says that accepting this moment's hard conditions without fighting them, and staying flexible, leads to success in the middle of difficulty. The hexagram itself notes that this kind of conflict can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force, and wise advice helps. From a time of small means, this is not the moment for a grand fight. Stay steady under talk, bend instead of breaking, and let events take part of their course. Seek the counsel of someone who understands the matter before you do anything decisive.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 1 of 6 Conflict, which stays still

    Even if the situation invites gossip, holding firm is your best move.

    Not dragging the matter out. A few words against; in the end, good fortune.

  2. Line 4 of 6 Conflict, which stays still

    Accepting the adverse conditions of this moment without fighting them, and staying flexible, will lead you to success in the middle of difficulties.

    Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, accepting the decree, changing. Calm constancy brings good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 3 of 62 Success in Small Matters

    Carelessness and excess bring trouble.

    Unless one goes beyond in guarding oneself, someone following will do harm. Misfortune.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 6 Conflict

    A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.

    There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Mountain Water
Above Thunder Heaven

The way back

6 Conflict → 62 Success in Small Matters
lines 2, 3, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Success in Small Matters

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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