What this change means
As the third and fifth lines move, a tree takes root under the earth where water once pooled: the pit becomes the ground for a slow rise. The fifth line leads. A hollow that fills only to its brim spills nothing, and that is your model: take whichever way offers the least friction and advance a step at a time. The third line, deep in danger, adds the needed caution: stop, watch, and only move forward when you're sure, asking for inner guidance first. The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, describes a rise that comes from work you've done with dedication, and it encourages you to seek the help of someone important without fear. So this is a measured ascent. Pause where the footing is uncertain, then climb along the easiest path. When the moment is right, don't hesitate to approach the person who can lift you further.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 29 Waterlines 3 and 5
Other transformations of Water
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1 and 2
- 5Inactionlines 1 and 3
- 39Held Backlines 2 and 3
- 58Inner Peacelines 1 and 4
- 45Meetinglines 2 and 4
- 28Excesseslines 3 and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1 and 5
- 2Passivitylines 2 and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 4 and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 and 6
- 20Observinglines 2 and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 3 and 6
- 6Conflictlines 4 and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.