What this change means
The first line stirs, and the earth under the wind wakes as Thunder: looking is about to become something more active. This line warns against stopping at appearances. A first glance is a child's way of seeing; it notices surfaces and misses connections. Go further than looking. Put the facts side by side and see how they relate, and what you observe starts to tell you something real.
The resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, describes gain and growth, a time when projects can prosper, provided you keep your inner integrity, learn from people who have qualities you admire, and drop the traits that have caused trouble. Deeper observation is what feeds that growth. Look carefully at the people you'd like to learn from, and at your own habits, beyond the obvious. Watch for quick judgments based on how things seem; growth here tends to come from understanding, not from impressions.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 20 Observing
It doesn't help to stop at appearances when you observe something. Go beyond simple looking: connect the facts.
Looking like a child. For the petty person, no fault; for the noble person, distress.
- 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
42 Increase → 20 Observingline 1
Other transformations of Observing
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.