Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
The Traveler becomes Inaction
What this change means
Clouds rise over Heaven when five lines change and only the third stays put. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, carries the reading: acting in haste will get you into trouble. The resulting hexagram adds that it's time to wait rather than act, though waiting isn't idleness. Prepare for the active period ahead, keep a calm and relaxed attitude, look at conditions honestly, and stay alert for the right moment. Coming from The Traveler, the temptation is to keep moving. Resist it. Stay where you are a while, rest, and get ready. Eat, drink and enjoy good company if you can. When the time to move arrives, you'll know it. Rushing now would only waste the strength you need later.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
If you act in haste, you'll run into trouble.
Waiting in the mud. It brings the raiders on.
- The judgment of 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 56 The Traveler
It's a time to act with dignity and focus on what really matters right now. Relaxing too much and not taking things seriously will bring trouble.
The traveler, small and niggling: so disaster is brought on.
- Line 2 of 56 The Traveler
You carry with you the resources you need to be secure wherever you are and whatever comes up. You'll draw help from simple, capable people.
The traveler reaches the inn, carries their goods close, and gains a young servant who is loyal.
- Line 4 of 56 The Traveler
Even though you can gain material rewards and comfort, avoid living in constant distrust and worry.
The traveler finds a place to stay and gets their goods and their axe. My heart is not glad.
- Line 5 of 56 The Traveler
If you can enjoy this passing situation and make the most of it, you'll achieve things.
Shoots a pheasant; one arrow is lost. In the end, renown and a mandate.
- Line 6 of 56 The Traveler
If you relax too much, forgetting that you're only passing through, and stop tending to your ultimate purpose, you'll run into problems.
The bird burns its nest. The traveler laughs first and wails aloud after. Loses the ox at Yi. Misfortune.
- 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 → 56 The Travelerlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Traveler
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.