What this change means
The fifth line moves, and in a figure of stripping it brings an unexpected gift: fish strung in a row, favor like that shown to the palace ladies. Help comes from where you didn't expect it and puts you in a favorable position. The upper Mountain turns into Wind, and the figure becomes 20 Observing, wind moving over the earth. That tells you how to use the favor. Observe before you act. Look carefully at who is helping and why, and at how the situation is shifting. Right now others may be looking to you for inspiration, and you, in turn, need to watch the people who inspire you. Accept the help gracefully, without rushing to exploit it. If you let things unfold at their own pace, this turn tends to settle well rather than slip away.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 23 The Fallline 5
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.