Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Transition becomes Water

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The three upper lines change, and the fire above becomes water, so one pit now lies over another. Both judgments are weighed. The starting hexagram describes a moment when much is ready for success, yet some elements are still missing, and immature mistakes can make you drift. The resulting hexagram, 29 Water, speaks of obstacles that come one after another, which you can pass the way a stream does, by keeping your course and not letting fear paralyze you. Together they describe the crossing itself: not one leap but a series of currents. Keep moving through each difficulty in turn. Don't stop in fear, and don't thrash. Stay alert to what each moment asks, and let steady, flowing persistence carry you to the other side.

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 29 Water

    Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.

    There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Water stays
Above Fire Water

The way back

29 Water → 64 Transition
lines 4, 5, and 6

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