What this change means
Clouds rise toward the sky where once a tree was rising through the earth: the first and fifth lines move, and the climb pauses. The fifth leads. Success shouldn't blur your judgment; take the steps one at a time, savoring them, with no hurry and no fascination with power. The first adds that you're only beginning, and confidence brings what you want. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's time to wait, not act, though waiting doesn't mean standing still. Prepare for the active period ahead, look at conditions honestly, and stay alert for the moment to move. So keep your confidence, but slow your pace. The next step will come; it doesn't need to be forced. A calm, relaxed attitude lets you see clearly, and when the time is right, you'll climb further for having rested.
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 46 Going Up
Don't let success cloud your judgment. Go step by step, enjoying each moment, without rushing or being dazzled by power.
Constancy brings good fortune. Ascends by the steps.
- Line 1 of 46 Going Up
You're only beginning to rise, but if you do it with confidence you'll get what you want.
An ascent that is welcomed. Great good fortune.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward 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.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 46 Going Uplines 1 and 5
Other transformations of Going Up
- 36Darknesslines 1 and 2
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1 and 3
- 2Passivitylines 2 and 3
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1 and 4
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2 and 4
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3 and 4
- 39Held Backlines 2 and 5
- 29Waterlines 3 and 5
- 28Excesseslines 4 and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1 and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2 and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 3 and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 4 and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.