What this change means
Thunder below, wind above: three lines move, the second, third and top, and what was a tense wait becomes a time of growth. The two judgments share the weight. 5 Inaction asks for calm, honest preparation and alertness, trusting that things unfold on their own schedule.
The resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, says your projects can grow and prosper. At such times it matters to keep your inner integrity, to follow the example of people who have the qualities you want, and to drop the traits that have caused you trouble. Combined, they suggest that the waiting prepared the ground, and now the harvest depends on character. Use the momentum, but keep correcting yourself. Watch for old habits creeping back just as things improve, and for growth that forgets generosity.
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 42 Increase
You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.
It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 2 of 5 Inaction
Stay calm even if gossip comes up.
Waiting on the sand. A few words against; in the end, good fortune.
- 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 6 of 5 Inaction
At a moment when everything seems to be against you, help appears that will resolve the situation.
Into the pit. Three guests come without being called; receiving them with respect brings good fortune at last.
The trigrams
The way back
42 Increase → 5 Inactionlines 2, 3, and 6
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
- 7The Armylines 1, 3, 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
- 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.