Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Observing becomes Passion

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The upper trigram turns entirely, wind becoming Thunder as the fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the earth below starts to shake with energy. Both judgments weigh the same. With 20 Observing as the starting point, attention is the first task: notice who learns from you, notice whom you learn from, and let timing take care of itself.

16 Passion, the resulting hexagram, brings a passionate drive toward action that you can share with others to win their help for big projects; for them to last, you must keep in mind the needs of the people working with you. Together they ask you to channel enthusiasm through what you've observed. Your example already moves people; now it can move them to act. Watch for passion that stops listening, or plans that serve only you; looking after your collaborators keeps the energy alive.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 16 Passion

    A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.

    It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The trigrams

Below Earth stays
Above Wind Thunder

The way back

16 Passion → 20 Observing
lines 4, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Observing

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins