Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Water becomes Gathering with Equals
What this change means
Five lines move, all but the fifth, and heaven joins fire above where water fell into water: isolation in the pit gives way to community. The single still line, the fifth of 13 Gathering with Equals, holds the counsel. It says that big differences may seem impossible to bridge, yet with patience and a willing heart, union comes back. More broadly, the resulting hexagram speaks of meetings with people of a nature like yours, relationships built on trust, and room for larger, innovative projects. So after a long, lonely struggle, the key is reconnection. Don't give up on someone just because the gap feels wide right now. Watch for impatience and for pride that keeps you apart. Keep your heart open, give the reconciliation time, and you can find the people you need to carry on together.
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 13 Gathering with Equals, which stays still
The big differences seem impossible to bridge; still, with patience and a willing heart, union returns.
Community: first wailing and cries, then laughter. The great armies manage to meet.
- 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 6 of 29 Water
Trying to escape the obstacles, you get more tangled if you keep doing things the wrong way and side with the wrong people.
Bound with braided cords, set among thorn thickets; three years and no way out. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 13 Gathering with Equals
It's a time of meetings with people of a high nature like yours, with whom you can carry out important tasks and projects. Relationships built on trust and mutual support take shape. Large, innovative projects are favored.
Community in the open country. Success. It is favorable to cross the great river. The constancy of the noble person is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
13 Gathering with Equals → 29 Waterlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Water
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.