Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Transition becomes Good Manners

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, and fire glows at the foot of the mountain, lighting what's close. The reading turns to the still lines of 22 Good Manners. Its fifth line says that your genuine inner attitude, however small it seems to you, is welcomed in higher circles. Its top line says your true worth isn't on the surface: it lies in a jewel within you that others will come to recognize. The hexagram asks for kindness and courtesy, and favors everyday matters over great undertakings. In a time of transition, this shifts the focus from outer results to inner quality. You don't need a grand display to cross. Be sincere and courteous in ordinary dealings, trust that what's valuable in you is seen, and let small, well-handled matters carry you forward.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 5 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still

    Your genuine inner attitude, small as it may seem to you, is welcomed and accepted in higher circles.

    Adornment on the hill and in the garden. The roll of silk is meager. Distress; in the end, good fortune.

  2. Line 6 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still

    Your true worth isn't on the outside: it lies in the wonderful jewel that lives within you, and others will recognize it.

    White adornment. No fault.

  3. The judgment of 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

  4. Line 1 of 64 Transition

    If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.

    Wets its tail. Distress.

  5. Line 2 of 64 Transition

    Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.

    Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.

  6. Line 3 of 64 Transition

    Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.

    Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  7. Line 4 of 64 Transition

    The time for action has come. Define what you want and head straight for it: you'll make growing, lasting progress.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. With the force of thunder the land of Guifang is attacked; in three years comes a reward from the great kingdom.

  8. The judgment of 22 Good Manners

    It's a time to be kind and courteous and to use good manners with others if you want good results in what you undertake. What might seem superficial at another time leads you to success now. It's a time to handle everyday matters, not great undertakings.

    Success. In small things, it is favorable to have somewhere to go.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Fire Mountain

The way back

22 Good Manners → 64 Transition
lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Transition

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins