What this change means
The top line moves, and the water above turns to wind blowing across the earth. This line is the warning at the heart of the reading. Put off looking for allies, and you may discover your need for them only after the chance has passed. The old line speaks of a union with no head, and calls it misfortune.
The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, asks you to look before you act. You may be a source of inspiration for others now, and you also need to watch those who inspire you; that lets things unfold at the right moment. So observation here isn't an excuse to delay. Look around with care, see who shares your aims, and then reach out while there's still time. Watch for waiting so long that the gathering forms without you. Notice early, then move.
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 8 Union
If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.
Joining with no head. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- 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
The way back
20 Observing → 8 Unionline 6
Other transformations of Union
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.