What this change means
With the second and fifth lines moving, Heaven appears below and Water above: clouds rising to the sky, rain not yet falling. The fifth line leads, asking you to stay where you are for now, eyes on your goal and profile low, since leaving isn't possible yet. The second adds that though difficulties are growing and hurt you directly, firm resolve and acting for the common good can carry you through, like a strong horse that comes to the rescue. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's time to wait, not act, but waiting isn't standing still. Prepare for the active time that's coming, look at conditions honestly, and stay alert. A calm, relaxed attitude helps. Watch for confusing patience with resignation. You're holding a position and gathering strength, not giving up.
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 36 Darkness
For now you can't withdraw to better circumstances, so you have to stay where you are, with your mind fixed on your goal and a low profile so you don't draw attention.
The wounded light of Jizi. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 2 of 36 Darkness
Difficulties are growing and circumstances affect you directly, but your firm resolve, acting for a greater good, and contributing as you're able will lead you to victory.
The wounded light: wounded in the left thigh. Rescued with a strong horse. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 36 Darkness
It's a dark time: circumstances force you to live alongside the wrong people. If you know how to protect yourself, hold on to your integrity, and go unnoticed, without openly showing your light and your talents, you'll stay safe until better times come. However hard they seem, hard times pass too.
Constancy in hardship is favorable.
- 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 → 36 Darknesslines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Darkness
- 46Going Uplines 1 and 2
- 2Passivitylines 1 and 3
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2 and 3
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1 and 4
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2 and 4
- 51Shocklines 3 and 4
- 39Held Backlines 1 and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 3 and 5
- 49Renewallines 4 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 1 and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 2 and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 3 and 6
- 30The Flamelines 4 and 6
- 37The Tribelines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.