Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

After the End becomes Fleeting Success

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Three lines move, and the earth comes to rest over a lake: something good draws near, but it carries an end date. Both judgments share the weight. The starting hexagram already speaks of a success that passes, followed by stagnation, and asks you to prepare. The resulting hexagram, 19 Fleeting Success, brings luck and well-being too, and says plainly that the good spell is limited in time; afterward conditions change, and reading the signs and taking precautions won't prevent the decline but will lessen its effects. Rarely do two texts agree so closely. Enjoy the favorable period fully, but treat it as a season, not a new normal. Use it to build reserves, settle what's pending and get ready for the turn. Foresight won't stop the change, but it can make it far gentler.

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 19 Fleeting Success

    A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.

  3. Line 2 of 63 After the End

    Don't try to recover what you lose for now: it will come back to you naturally.

    The wife loses the screen of her carriage. Do not chase it: in seven days it is found.

  4. Line 3 of 63 After the End

    If you want to expand right now, you'll have to use extreme measures to clear the obstacles in the way.

    The High Ancestor attacks the land of Guifang; in three years he conquers it. Do not employ the petty person.

  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 Lake
Above Water Earth

The way back

19 Fleeting Success → 63 After the End
lines 2, 3, 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.

Toss the coins