Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 5

After the End becomes Success in Small Matters

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder sounds over a mountain as three lines move, and the figure takes the shape of a small excess. The two judgments weigh the same. The starting one warns that a run of good fortune tends to end in stagnation unless you prepare beforehand. The resulting hexagram, 62 Success in Small Matters, says this is a time for small achievements, not great ones, and that trying to go beyond your present means will waste your effort. Together they lower the scale. Your success doesn't need to grow bigger to be worthwhile; it needs to be sized to what you can sustain. Keep your goals modest, work within your resources, and avoid any leap that depends on conditions staying as favorable as they are now. Small steps are what carry you through the slowdown.

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 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 1 of 63 After the End

    If you try to move ahead too fast, you won't get results. But if you can stop and wait for better conditions, there will be achievements.

    Drags back on its wheels; wets its tail. No fault.

  4. Line 4 of 63 After the End

    If you get careless during times of expansion, old unresolved matters may come to light. Stay alert so you can put them right.

    There are rags for the leaks in the boat; on guard all day long.

  5. Line 5 of 63 After the End

    If your actions come from the heart and are genuine, a small action can bring great results.

    The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; it is not worth the simple offering of the western neighbor, who truly receives the blessing.

The trigrams

Below Fire Mountain
Above Water Thunder

The way back

62 Success in Small Matters → 63 After the End
lines 1, 4, and 5

Other transformations of After the End

Make your own cast

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

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