What this change means
Everything turns on the third line here, and as it moves the earth below rises into a mountain, with a tree slowly growing on it. This line asks you to look at your own life alongside the signs coming from outside. Seeing both gives you a complete picture, and from there you can decide whether to move forward or pull back.
The resulting hexagram, 53 Gradual Progress, says progress will come step by step, through stages that make it lasting, and that rushing brings delays and obstacles. That fits the line closely. The decision to advance or retreat isn't made once; it's made at every rung. Look inward and outward, take the next step that's clearly yours, then look again. Watch for wanting a single, final answer when the situation is asking for a steady sequence of small, well-observed moves.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 20 Observingline 3
Other transformations of Observing
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.