Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5
Transition becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
The four middle lines change, and a tree grows on the mountain, slowly and firmly. The reading weighs the still lines of 53 Gradual Progress. Its first line says your first steps may be slow, and that through inexperience it may look at first as though you'll fail, so people will talk; there's nothing to fear. Its top line says you're moving successfully toward your goal, will reach it, and may even inspire others. The hexagram describes progress in stages that make it lasting, warning that hurrying brings delays. For a transition, this is reassuring. Don't let a slow start or others' comments shake you. Keep climbing at your own pace, one stage after another. The end of the road is good, and the way you walk it may encourage others.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 53 Gradual Progress, which stays still
Your first steps may be slow, and through lack of experience it may look at first as if you'll fail, so people will talk. Nothing to fear.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the shore. The young one is in danger; there is talk. No fault.
- Line 6 of 53 Gradual Progress, which stays still
You're moving successfully toward your goal. You'll get what you want and may even inspire others.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the high plain. Its feathers can serve in the ritual dance. 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 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 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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 64 Transitionlines 2, 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
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 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.