What this change means
Clouds gather over Heaven when the second, fourth and fifth lines move: Fire becomes Heaven below, Thunder becomes Water above. Two judgments share the weight. Abundance, like the sun at noon, shines fully for a time, and the old text says not to worry about the afternoon. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's time to wait rather than act. Waiting isn't standing still: it's a chance to prepare for the active period ahead, with a relaxed attitude, an honest look at conditions, and alertness for the right moment. So the fullness here is something to rest in and get ready from, not something to push. Eat well, so to speak, and enjoy good company. Look clearly at where you stand. When the time to act comes, you'll recognize it and be prepared.
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 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- 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 2 of 55 Abundance
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, good fortune.
- Line 4 of 55 Abundance
The shadows and obstacles that came up for a while are beginning to fade. If you act wisely and decisively, everything will go well.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Meets the lord who is its like. Good fortune.
- Line 5 of 55 Abundance
You're willing to listen to advice and act on it; this will make difficult situations give way naturally.
Brilliance comes; there is blessing and renown. Good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 55 Abundancelines 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Abundance
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 3
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, and 4
- 2Passivitylines 1, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 3, and 4
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 1, 3, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 3, and 5
- 39Held Backlines 1, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 6
- 35Advancelines 1, 3, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 3, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 3, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 3, 5, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.