What this change means
Three lines move, the first, second and fourth, and Heaven gathers beneath clouds of Water. With three lines changing, the two judgments stand in balance. Attraction rewards openness: stay receptive and the people who will support you, without self-interest, come close. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says plainly that it's time to wait, not to act, though waiting isn't standing still. It's a good time to prepare for the active period ahead, to look at conditions without lying to yourself, and to stay alert for the moment to move. Together they describe a receptive patience. You don't need to pursue anyone or force any result. Keep your door open, keep your mind clear, and let a calm, relaxed attitude do its work. Destiny follows its own course, and you'll be readier for it if you've used the pause well.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 31 Attraction
You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 31 Attraction
Your outlook and attitude are right, but you still need to wait for support and alliances to arrive.
Contact at the big toe.
- Line 2 of 31 Attraction
Wait, without rushing or taking the initiative, until the right people and situations show up on their own.
Contact at the calves. Misfortune. Staying put brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 31 Attraction
Centering yourself in your heart and your inner resources will let what is right for you find you naturally.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Restless, coming and going; friends follow your thoughts.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 31 Attractionlines 1, 2, and 4
Other transformations of Attraction
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 3
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 4
- 29Waterlines 2, 3, and 4
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 4, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 2, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 3, 4, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 4, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 4, and 6
- 20Observinglines 3, 4, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 1, 5, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 3, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.