Transformation · lines 1 and 6
Observing becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder gather as the first and top lines move, the two ends of the figure changing together. The top line leads: study the laws that rule the world, the way things arrive and depart, and your actions grow wise. The first line is its ground-level counterpart: don't stop at appearances; go beyond looking and connect the facts. One asks for the widest view, the other for real depth up close.
The resulting hexagram, 3 Initial Obstacles, says this isn't the time to act directly. Find allies who can act for you, and stay alert for the moment to take back the initiative. A hard beginning is part of how things come and go. Understanding that keeps you from forcing it. Let representatives move while you keep connecting the facts. Watch for jumping in personally because the start feels slow; seeing the pattern helps you wait for your moment without losing track of it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 20 Observinglines 1 and 6
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
- 27Nourishmentlines 1 and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 3 and 5
- 35Advancelines 4 and 5
- 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.