Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Transition becomes Coming Back
What this change means
Thunder stirs within the earth as four lines move: a return begins underneath. The reading follows the still lines of 24 Coming Back. Its third line warns that insecure wavering, back and forth, repeating old errors, takes you off the path of right action. Its fifth line says prompt action that owns and corrects past mistakes leads to a sure success. The hexagram describes a return after a dark stretch, with help and favor, as long as old errors aren't repeated. For an unfinished crossing, this is pointed advice. Look squarely at the mistakes that have held you back. Correct them now, decisively, and stop wavering between options. A clean, prompt correction is what turns hesitation into a real new start.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 24 Coming Back, which stays still
If you act with insecurity, going forward and back and repeating past mistakes, you'll stray from the path and from right action.
Returning again and again. Danger; no fault.
- Line 5 of 24 Coming Back, which stays still
Acting without delay, recognizing past mistakes and correcting them, will lead you to sure success.
A generous return. No regret.
- 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 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.
- 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 24 Coming Back
After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.
Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
24 Coming Back → 64 Transitionlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Transition
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 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.