Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5

Observing becomes The Flame

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire above fire: four lines move, the first, third, fourth and fifth, and brightness doubles where the wind once crossed the earth. The two still lines of 30 The Flame guide the reading. The second says that perseverance and a link with what is right, following your inner guidance, bring achievement and brilliance. The top line says that if you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and correct them, you'll succeed.

Observation here becomes illumination. You see clearly, and that clarity points both inward and back. Follow the inner guidance that your watching has sharpened, stay connected to what's right, and look honestly at your past actions. Where something went wrong, fix it. Watch for brilliance that refuses to admit error; the light of this movement includes seeing your own mistakes, and correcting them is what lets it shine further.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 2 of 30 The Flame, which stays still

    Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.

    Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.

  2. Line 6 of 30 The Flame, which stays still

    If you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and make the corrections needed, you'll succeed.

    The king sets out on campaign. There is merit: the chief's head is cut off, and the captives are not the chief's own people. No fault.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Line 5 of 20 Observing

    If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.

    Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.

  8. The judgment of 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Earth Fire
Above Wind Fire

The way back

30 The Flame → 20 Observing
lines 1, 3, 4, and 5

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