What this change means
Heaven and water draw apart as the second and fourth lines change. The fourth line leads, describing a wise gaze that brings light into dark places and earns recognition. The second line pulls the other way: a view colored by personal bias stays on the surface and misses the heart of things. Both lines are about perception, one at its clearest and one at its narrowest.
The resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, describes a dispute that action can't solve. Cleverness works better than force; accepting that nothing can be settled now, letting events run their course, and consulting someone wise in the matter will help you out. In a conflict, your own view is the first thing to examine. Ask whether you're seeing the whole or only your side. Watch for digging in on a partial reading; stepping back and seeking a wiser eye tends to resolve more than winning the argument would.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 20 Observinglines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Observing
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 and 2
- 37The Tribelines 1 and 3
- 57Gentlenesslines 2 and 3
- 25Innocencelines 1 and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3 and 4
- 27Nourishmentlines 1 and 5
- 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.