What this change means
Thunder below the mountain, the shape of open jaws: the first and fifth lines move. The fifth leads: observe responsibly, see how similar situations played out in the past, and make the corrections now. The first line asks you not to stop at appearances, but to link the facts so that what you see becomes understanding.
The resulting hexagram, 27 Nourishment, asks you to care for your physical and spiritual nourishment and, at the same time, help others grow by what you do, since success here comes from both giving and receiving. Turn your observation toward what feeds you and what doesn't. Look at your habits, your sources of energy and the people you share with; history will show you which patterns have served you. Then correct what needs correcting. Watch for judging what's good for you by how it looks or feels in the moment; real nourishment shows itself over time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 27 Nourishment
Right now you need to take care of your physical and spiritual nourishment, so you have the resources you need in each area, and at the same time help others grow through what you do. Success lies in giving and receiving: take in what is good for you and share it with those around you.
Constancy brings good fortune. Watching the jaws; seeking for oneself what fills the mouth.
The trigrams
The way back
27 Nourishment → 20 Observinglines 1 and 5
Other transformations of Observing
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 and 2
- 37The Tribelines 1 and 3
- 57Gentlenesslines 2 and 3
- 25Innocencelines 1 and 4
- 6Conflictlines 2 and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3 and 4
- 4Immaturitylines 2 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 3 and 5
- 35Advancelines 4 and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1 and 6
- 29Waterlines 2 and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3 and 6
- 45Meetinglines 4 and 6
- 2Passivitylines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.