What this change means
Into the pit, and then the unexpected: the top line moves, and the Water above turns into Wind, so the clouds begin to drift across the sky. This is the heart of the change. At the moment everything seems to be against you, help appears that can resolve the situation. The old image speaks of three guests who arrive uninvited; receiving them with respect brings good fortune in the end.
The resulting hexagram, 9 Small Things, says the situation promises success, but not yet. Obstacles remain, so for now take small actions and wait for the right time to act on a larger scale. Put together: welcome the help that comes, even when it doesn't look like what you expected, and use it for small, sure steps. Watch for turning away visitors or offers simply because you didn't invite them.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
The trigrams
The way back
9 Small Things → 5 Inactionline 6
Other transformations of Inaction
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.