Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Transition becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Every line changes, and water and fire trade places: what stood unfinished becomes complete. When all six move, the resulting hexagram speaks for the whole: 63 After the End. It describes a success that passes: everything seems to favor you, and afterward comes a period of stagnation that you can soften by preparing for it ahead of time. So the crossing does happen. The pieces fall into place, and what you've worked toward arrives. But completion carries its own lesson. Enjoy the success without assuming it's permanent. Use the good time to set something aside, settle what's pending and think ahead about what could go wrong. The care that got you across is the same care that will keep the next phase gentle.

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 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Line 5 of 64 Transition

    You get what you want; you'll be able to enjoy it and contribute to the well-being of others.

    Constancy brings good fortune. No regret. The light of the noble person: there is sincere trust. Good fortune.

  8. Line 6 of 64 Transition

    You'll have success and tangible results. You can relax, have fun and share what you've achieved with others, but don't overdo it: any excess will lead to loss.

    There is sincere trust in drinking wine. No fault. If the head gets wet, trust loses its measure.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Fire Water

The way back

63 After the End → 64 Transition
lines 1, 2, 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.

Toss the coins