What this change means
Water gathers within the earth as the first, third and fifth lines move: the open strength of Heaven below becomes a hidden reservoir. With three lines moving, the two judgments stand in balance. 5 Inaction asks you to wait without idleness, to prepare for what's coming, to look honestly at conditions and to stay relaxed but alert for the moment to act.
7 The Army, the resulting hexagram, says the favorable answer lies in discipline and organization: face the situation directly, speak clearly, say what you want, and don't try to impose it. Read together, the waiting becomes training. Use this time to organize your resources, clarify what you're asking for and get your plan in order. Watch for confusing discipline with force; clear words and good order carry further than pressure.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- The judgment of 7 The Army
Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.
The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.
- Line 1 of 5 Inaction
You still have control over the situation. It's time to act in a relaxed way, while keeping an eye on what's happening.
Waiting on the outskirts. It is favorable to hold steady. No fault.
- Line 3 of 5 Inaction
If you act in haste, you'll run into trouble.
Waiting in the mud. It brings the raiders on.
- Line 5 of 5 Inaction
It's important to keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting.
Waiting with wine and food. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
7 The Army → 5 Inactionlines 1, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Inaction
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 3, and 4
- 17Adaptinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 3, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 2, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 3, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 3, 4, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.