What this change means
Water now stands over a lake as four lines move, the image of limits and measure. The reading weighs the still lines of 60 Thrift. Its second line says that when it's time to move forward you should hurry, because hesitating without acting brings trouble. Its third line warns that failing to hold yourself back and set limits brings trouble, but that recognizing it and doing something about it gets you past the obstacles. The hexagram asks you to conserve time, energy and resources so you're ready for challenges. In a transition, this is about using your energy precisely. Don't waste it on excess, and don't freeze when the moment comes. Set firm limits on yourself where you tend to overdo things, and move quickly when it's 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 60 Thrift, which stays still
When it's time to move forward, hurry: hesitating without acting will bring trouble.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the gate. Misfortune.
- Line 3 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.
One without measure will sigh afterward. No fault.
- 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 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.
- 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 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
The trigrams
The way back
60 Thrift → 64 Transitionlines 1, 4, 5, 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
- 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
- 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.