Transformation · lines 1 and 5

Inaction becomes Going Up

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A tree begins to grow within the earth: the first and fifth lines move, Heaven below turns to Wind and Water above turns to Earth. The fifth line leads. It's the waiting at the table, with wine and food: keep your goal, relax, rest and observe without pushing. The first line agrees. Out on the outskirts you still have control, and an easy, steady pace keeps you safe from fault.

The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, describes a rise that grows out of work you've done with dedication. Seeking help from an important person can bring great success, and there's no need to fear that meeting. So the waiting turns into a slow climb. Keep calm, keep your aim, and when the moment comes, ask for support. Watch for hurrying the growth; it comes in stages, like a tree.

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 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 46 Going Up

    You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.

    Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Wind
Above Water Earth

The way back

46 Going Up → 5 Inaction
lines 1 and 5

Other transformations of Inaction

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins