What this change means
Five lines move, leaving only the top one still, and the doubled Water becomes thunder and lightning arriving together: from scarcity to fullness. The single still line of 55 Abundance, the top, gives the guidance, and it's brief: pride can block what you're after and push your success further off. The broader picture of the resulting hexagram is a period of satisfaction that will last for a while. When it wanes, it asks you to stay calm and enjoy what you've achieved instead of grieving its end. So after a long passage through obstacles, things are filling up. The danger now isn't the pit, it's the self-importance that can come with relief. Stay humble, let others in, and don't wall yourself off in your success. Enjoying abundance with an open hand is what keeps pride from getting in the way.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 55 Abundance, which stays still
Your pride may get in the way of what you want and delay your success.
Full is the house, the home screened over. Peering through the door: silence, no one there. For three years no one is seen. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 29 Water
Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.
There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.
- Line 1 of 29 Water
You won't get results if you keep acting recklessly in the direction you're going, without watching outside circumstances.
Pit upon pit. Entering the bottom of the pit. Misfortune.
- Line 2 of 29 Water
You're in a dangerous situation where you only get results in small matters. This isn't the time for great success.
In the pit there is danger. Seeking, a little is gained.
- Line 3 of 29 Water
It's time to stop, watch and act only when you're sure that moving forward will lead to success. Ask for inner guidance.
Coming and going: pit and pit. Danger, and depth besides. Entering the bottom of the pit. Do not act.
- Line 4 of 29 Water
Obstacles will be overcome now only if you open up to help that seems minor but will make the difference.
A jug of wine, a bowl of grain besides, in clay vessels. The simple offering passes in through the window. In the end, no fault.
- Line 5 of 29 Water
You'll get out of the obstacles now if you follow the path of least resistance and, step by step, head toward your goal.
The pit does not overflow; it fills just to the level. No fault.
- The judgment of 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
The trigrams
The way back
55 Abundance → 29 Waterlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Water
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.