Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

Transition becomes Leaving Behind

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A mountain rises under heaven as three lines change: the scene of someone stepping back. The judgments are read together. The starting hexagram says things are coming together, but not everything is in place yet, and careless or immature moves can make you drift from your goals. The resulting hexagram, 33 Leaving Behind, says a step back now isn't a failure; it lets you recover your strength, think the situation through, and later resume in the right direction, letting go of what doesn't serve you. So the crossing may need a pause before it's complete. If you sense you're not ready, withdraw for a while rather than pushing on with mistakes. Rest, reflect, drop what's dragging you down, and return when you can finish well.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind

    Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.

    Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Water Mountain
Above Fire Heaven

The way back

33 Leaving Behind → 64 Transition
lines 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Transition

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins