Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Great Manifestation becomes Observing
What this change means
All six lines move, and the figure turns over: Wind above Earth, the image of looking out across the land. When every line changes, the resulting hexagram carries the reading. 20 Observing asks you to look before you act. Others may be looking to you for inspiration just now, while you, in turn, need to watch the people who inspire you. That attention lets things unfold at the right moment, and well. It's a full reversal of great strength: from thunder that acts to wind that watches. Your power isn't gone; it's turning into perception. Pause, look carefully at the people and situations around you, learn from those you admire, and let your example speak. The time to act will show itself.
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 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 judgment of 34 Great Manifestation
You have what it takes to carry out big projects and achieve extraordinary things. Still, you need to stay active and keep persevering. Thinking and acting in harmony will keep you holding to what is right and will make your achievements last.
Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 34 Great Manifestation
Despite your excellent qualities, some unfavorable situations still won't let you move forward. Don't push. Work through the obstacles one by one, and circumstances will give way in the end.
Strength in the toes. Setting out brings misfortune. There is sincere trust.
- Line 2 of 34 Great Manifestation
Circumstances are starting to open up and conditions keep getting better. Still, stay centered and keep persevering to get the results you want.
Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 34 Great Manifestation
If you show off your power and your achievements right now, you'll draw hostile looks and bad situations your way.
The petty person uses strength; the noble person does not. Constancy is in danger. A ram butts the fence and tangles its horns.
- Line 4 of 34 Great Manifestation
Adverse circumstances give way before your persistence. If you rely on your inner power, you'll be able to move toward great achievements.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. The fence gives way, and nothing tangles. Strength in the axle of the great cart.
- Line 5 of 34 Great Manifestation
This is a favorable moment when you can do without force and head toward your goals without haste or strain: the good wave will carry you to success.
Loses the ram at Yi. No regret.
- Line 6 of 34 Great Manifestation
If you push ahead without thinking and without taking in feedback, you reach a point that becomes a wall and blocks your way. Being aware of this before you go too far will let you change course.
A ram butts the fence: it can't go back, it can't go on. Nothing is favorable. Taking on the hardship: good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 34 Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, 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.