What this change means
Thunder and lightning arrive together as five lines move, leaving only the second still. That still line of 55 Abundance carries the reading: your resolve is firm and conditions favor getting what you want, yet the wrong people stand in your way; staying with what's right and refusing to be pulled off course leads to success.
The starting hexagram's watchfulness shifts here into a time of growth toward abundance, which lasts a while and then wanes. Keep observing who is around you and what they want. Don't let them distract or provoke you. Enjoy the fullness while it lasts, and stay calm when it fades. Watch for being drawn into others' games just when things are going well; steady, right action is what carries you through both the obstacles and the eventual decline.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 55 Abundance, which stays still
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, 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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
The trigrams
The way back
55 Abundance → 20 Observinglines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Observing
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.