Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Activity becomes Observing

乾 1 Activity 觀 20 Observing
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, and almost all of Heaven's strength gives way: Earth below, Wind passing over it. When this much changes, the reading rests on the two lines that stay still in the resulting hexagram, 20 Observing. Its fifth line says that if you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out before and can correct course now. Its top line adds that watching how things come and go in the world leads to wise action. So this isn't a moment for initiative. The drive you've been running on is being converted into attention. Look back at precedents, your own and others'. Notice patterns before you move. Others may be watching you for inspiration, and the best thing you can give them is clear sight. Act later, once the picture holds still; observation now tends to make the eventual action land at the right time.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 5 of 20 Observing, which stays still

    If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.

    Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.

  2. Line 6 of 20 Observing, which stays still

    If you observe the laws that govern the world, the coming and going of things, you'll act wisely.

    Contemplating their life. For the noble person, no fault.

  3. The judgment of 1 Activity

    The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable.

  4. Line 1 of 1 Activity

    It's not yet time to act.

    A dragon under the water. Do not act.

  5. Line 2 of 1 Activity

    It's time to talk with the people who can help you.

    The dragon shows itself in the field. It is favorable to see the great person.

  6. Line 3 of 1 Activity

    Things are working, yet you worry for no apparent reason.

    The noble person strives and strives all day long, and at nightfall is still watchful. Danger. No fault.

  7. Line 4 of 1 Activity

    It's time to decide whether you want to keep moving forward or stop.

    Perhaps it leaps in the abyss. No fault.

  8. The judgment of 20 Observing

    Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.

    Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Earth
Above Heaven Wind

The way back

20 Observing → 1 Activity
lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Activity

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins