Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Transition becomes Small Things
What this change means
Clouds drift over heaven without yet raining as four lines move: the figure becomes a small restraint. The reading turns to the still lines of 9 Small Things. Its second line says that although circumstances push you forward, for now it's better to turn back and prepare to act at a better moment. Its top line says you reach what you want through step-by-step work, but you mustn't rest on your laurels; keep steady and keep working little by little. The hexagram describes a promising situation with obstacles still to clear. That echoes the starting situation closely. Don't let outside pressure rush you. Prepare, take small actions, and when results arrive, keep the same modest discipline that brought them. The big move will have its time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 9 Small Things, which stays still
Even though circumstances push you to advance, for now it's time to go back and prepare to act at a better moment.
Led back. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 9 Small Things, which stays still
You get what you want thanks to step-by-step work. Still, don't rest on your laurels: you have to stay constant and keep working little by little.
The rain has come, the rest has come. Virtue has piled up like a load. The wife's constancy is in danger. The moon is nearly full. For the noble person, setting out brings misfortune.
- 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 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 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 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.
- The judgment of 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
The trigrams
The way back
9 Small Things → 64 Transitionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
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
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 4, 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.