What this change means
Five lines change and only the fourth holds, so fire now burns in the middle of a lake. That still line of 49 Renewal carries the reading: right changes, made at the right moment, succeed when they stand on inner certainty and when your motives include the well-being of others, not just your own. The hexagram speaks of shedding a skin, opening to new ways, and letting go of what no longer does its job. For a transition, this means the crossing is also a transformation. What's missing may need to be created anew rather than found. Change what needs changing, and time each step well. Don't fear letting the old form fall away. Check your motives: change that serves others as well as you tends to hold.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 49 Renewal, which stays still
Making the right changes at the right time will bring you success, as long as you rest on an inner certainty and your motives seek not only your own good but the well-being of others too.
Regret vanishes. There is sincere trust: the mandate is changed. Good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 judgment of 49 Renewal
You're in a time of renewal, like shedding a skin. Open yourself to change and to new ways of doing things. Success lies in taking each step at exactly the right moment, and in weighing what needs to change and what doesn't, what is no longer doing its job. Don't be afraid to let it go: you need to make room for the new to arrive.
When the day has come, there is trust. Great success. Constancy is favorable. Regret vanishes.
The trigrams
The way back
49 Renewal → 64 Transitionlines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Transition
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.