Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 4
Observing becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
Wind blows under heaven as the second, third and fourth lines move. With three changing lines, the two judgments speak in balance. Observation is the first counsel of 20 Observing. Someone is learning from how you live, and you're learning from others in turn; watching both ways lets matters mature on time.
The resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness, describes unsuitable people or situations around you that you think you can control, perhaps even a bad habit. Without attention and firm limits, they can end up controlling you. Put together, observation becomes protection. Look honestly at what you're allowing into your life, and at whether it's really under control. Since others watch you, your limits also set an example. Watch for downplaying something you already sense is harmful; clear seeing is only useful if you act on it with firmness.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 20 Observinglines 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Observing
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, and 3
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, and 4
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 3, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 3, and 5
- 21Bitinglines 1, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 2, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 3, 4, and 5
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 3, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 3, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 2, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 3, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.