Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6

Adapting becomes Observing

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind moving over the earth is the new picture, after the first, fourth and top lines change. Both judgments are weighed equally. 17 Adapting gathers support around those who know their place and act sincerely from it. 20 Observing says to watch before you act: right now you inspire others, and at the same time you need to look closely at those who inspire you. Read together, they ask for attention rather than movement. Adapting here begins with seeing clearly, both your own example and the examples you follow. You're being looked at, so let your conduct be worth watching. And you're looking, so choose carefully what you take in. When you've observed well, the right moment tends to show itself and things can unfold in their time. The thing to avoid is acting before you've really looked.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 17 Adapting

    It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 1 of 17 Adapting

    Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.

    The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.

  4. Line 4 of 17 Adapting

    Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.

    Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?

  5. Line 6 of 17 Adapting

    You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.

    Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Earth
Above Lake Wind

The way back

20 Observing → 17 Adapting
lines 1, 4, and 6

Other transformations of Adapting

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins