What this change means
Wind moves over the earth as four lines change, the first, third, fourth and fifth, and the bright fire becomes a high place for looking. The still second and top lines of 20 Observing give the guidance. The second warns that if your perception stays subjective, you'll remain on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation. The top line says that watching the patterns by which the world runs, how things arrive and depart, lets you act wisely. So your clarity needs to widen. Step back from your own point of view and watch how things actually move. Watch for the comfort of seeing only what you expect. Observing patiently, without rushing to judge, shows you the right moment, and you may find you're an example to others while you learn from those who inspire you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing, which stays still
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- 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 30 The Flame
There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.
Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 30 The Flame
Right now it's important to stay calm and focused on your projects, without getting swept up in the noise around you.
Footsteps crossing every which way. With reverence, no fault.
- Line 3 of 30 The Flame
Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.
The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.
- Line 4 of 30 The Flame
A quick rise, unless your inner strength and steadiness feed it, will be short-lived.
Suddenly, so it comes: blazing, dying, cast away.
- Line 5 of 30 The Flame
After a rise, expect a decline. If you stand firm and understand that this is life's natural rhythm, you'll recover.
Tears pouring down in streams, sighs of sorrow. 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 → 30 The Flamelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of The Flame
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 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.