What this change means
The fifth line moves and the upper Water turns into Earth; the water that kept spilling into hollows now runs inside the ground, contained. This line is the turning point of the pit. The water doesn't overflow; it fills just to the level, and there's no fault in that. In practical terms, you'll get out of the obstacles by following the path of least resistance, step by step, toward your goal. No heroics, no forcing. The resulting hexagram, 7 The Army, adds structure to that patience. The favorable answer comes from discipline and organization: face the situation directly, say clearly what you want, and don't try to impose it. So keep your steps measured and your aims clear. Fill each hollow as you reach it rather than trying to leap over the whole field, and you'll find the level ground you need to move on.
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.
- 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 7 The Army
Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.
The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
7 The Army → 29 Waterline 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.