Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Great Achievements becomes Observing
What this change means
Four lines move, the first, second, third and fifth, and Great Achievements becomes 20 Observing, wind over the earth. The resulting hexagram's still lines carry the guidance. The fourth says you can look at things wisely and bring light where there's darkness, and this brings recognition. The top line says that observing the laws of the world, the coming and going of things, leads you to act wisely. The resulting hexagram itself advises watching before acting, inspiring others while also learning from those who inspire you. The stored strength of Great Achievements turns here into understanding. Before you take your next big step, look carefully: at the situation, at its rhythms, at what's hidden. Your clarity can help others see. Act once you understand, and the timing tends to take care of itself.
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, which stays still
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 6 of 20 Observing, which stays still
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 judgment of 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 1 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait before acting for now; acting hastily won't turn out well.
There is danger. It is favorable to stop.
- Line 2 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait until conditions are right to act, because outside circumstances are holding you back.
The axle strap slips from the cart.
- Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.
Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 5 of 26 Great Achievements
Facing the situations and people trying to stop you, not head-on but cleverly, ensures your success.
The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune.
- 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 → 26 Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Great Achievements
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.