What this change means
Clouds rise up to the heavens as four lines move: the first, second, third and top. The two still lines of 5 Inaction carry the reading. The fourth says any kind of action will only make things worse. The fifth says to keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting.
That's a natural continuation of the starting hexagram. Observation was already its counsel; here it becomes the whole task. Keep your aim clear, and don't move toward it yet. Rest, stay calm, and keep looking. The coming active period will need the strength and the information you gather now. Watch for the urge to fix things by doing something, anything; this movement suggests that action now would make things worse, while relaxed, attentive waiting keeps your goal within reach.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
Any kind of action will only make things worse.
Waiting in blood. Coming out of the pit.
- Line 5 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
It's important to keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting.
Waiting with wine and food. Constancy brings good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- Line 3 of 20 Observing
Observing yourself, along with the signs coming from outside, will give you a full view of the situation and let you decide whether to advance or pull back.
Contemplating my own life: advancing or withdrawing.
- Line 6 of 20 Observing
If you observe the laws that govern the world, the coming and going of things, you'll act wisely.
Contemplating their life. For the noble person, no fault.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 20 Observinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Observing
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.