What this change means
All but the fourth line move, and The Fall becomes 5 Inaction, clouds rising to the sky. That still fourth line of the resulting hexagram carries the message, and it's blunt: any action now will only make things worse. The resulting hexagram explains that waiting isn't the same as doing nothing. It's a good time to prepare for the active period ahead, to look at conditions without lying to yourself, and to stay calm and alert. Coming from a figure of stripping, this may feel frustrating, especially if you sense a change coming. Hold back anyway. Rest, gather strength, eat and sleep well, put your affairs in order. When the time for action arrives, you'll recognize it, and you'll be ready instead of exhausted from fighting the wait.
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 5 Inaction, which stays still
Any kind of action will only make things worse.
Waiting in blood. Coming out of the pit.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 1 of 23 The Fall
Your enemies have the power now and use any means to damage your image, even slander. All you can do is keep your inner strength and wait for better times.
The bed is stripped at the legs. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
- Line 2 of 23 The Fall
Resources and help aren't enough right now. All you can do is wait for better conditions.
The bed is stripped at the frame. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
- Line 3 of 23 The Fall
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.
Stripping. No fault.
- Line 5 of 23 The Fall
You'll receive unexpected help that puts you in a favorable position.
Fish strung in a row: favor like that of the palace ladies. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 23 The Fall
Little by little the adverse situations will give way, and gradually adversity will turn into opportunity.
A great fruit left uneaten. The noble person gains a carriage; the petty person's hut is stripped.
- The judgment of 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 23 The Falllines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Fall
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.