Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4

Observing becomes Gathering with Equals

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven over fire takes the place of wind over earth as the first, third and fourth lines change. Both judgments weigh the same. The starting hexagram holds you in a moment of attention: your example is lifting others, and the people you admire are teaching you, so nothing needs forcing.

The resulting hexagram, 13 Gathering with Equals, describes meetings with people of a nature like yours, with whom you can carry out important, innovative projects, and relationships built on trust and mutual support. Together they suggest that observation will show you who your real peers are. Notice who inspires you and whom you inspire; that exchange is the start of a good alliance. Watch for joining a group on appearances alone. Look first, then commit, and let the shared work grow from people who truly see each other.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 13 Gathering with Equals

    It's a time of meetings with people of a high nature like yours, with whom you can carry out important tasks and projects. Relationships built on trust and mutual support take shape. Large, innovative projects are favored.

    Community in the open country. Success. It is favorable to cross the great river. The constancy of the noble person is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 4 of 20 Observing

    You can look at things with wisdom and bring light where there is darkness. This will bring you recognition.

    Contemplating the light of the kingdom. It is favorable to be the king's guest.

The trigrams

Below Earth Fire
Above Wind Heaven

The way back

13 Gathering with Equals → 20 Observing
lines 1, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Observing

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins