What this change means
Clouds rise to the heavens as the second, fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the double flame gives way to waiting. The still first and third lines of 5 Inaction give the guidance. The first says you still have control over the situation; move easily, without tension, while you keep watching events. The third is short: act in haste and you'll run into trouble. So this is a pause with your hands still on the wheel. Don't freeze, and don't rush. Keep doing what's needed calmly, watch the conditions honestly, and let the active period come when it comes. Watch especially for impatience. Eat, drink and enjoy the time, as the image puts it, while you prepare for what's next.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
You still have control over the situation. It's time to act in a relaxed way, while keeping an eye on what's happening.
Waiting on the outskirts. It is favorable to hold steady. No fault.
- Line 3 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
If you act in haste, you'll run into trouble.
Waiting in the mud. It brings the raiders on.
- 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 2 of 30 The Flame
Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.
Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.
- 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.
- Line 6 of 30 The Flame
If you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and make the corrections needed, you'll succeed.
The king sets out on campaign. There is merit: the chief's head is cut off, and the captives are not the chief's own people. No fault.
- The judgment of 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 30 The Flamelines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Flame
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 3, 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
- 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.