What this change means
Wind over Earth: as the second and third lines move, the lower trigram becomes Earth, and the wind now passes over the land, seeing everything. The third line leads with a caution: thinking about what to do while never making up your mind leaves you in distress and delays what you want. The second line explains part of the paralysis. Something hidden is holding you back, and it's wise to seek people who know rites and signs and can help you move. The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, asks you to look carefully before you act. Others may be drawn to you right now as an example, and you also need to watch those who inspire you. Observation is not the same as stalling, though. Look clearly, get the help you need, then decide, so that things can unfold at their proper moment.
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 57 Gentleness
Thinking about what to do without making up your mind to do what needs doing will only delay your success.
Yielding again and again. Distress.
- Line 2 of 57 Gentleness
You're being held back by dark forces you can't identify. So it's wise to turn to people who, through magical practices, can help you move forward.
Yielding beneath the bed. Scribes and diviners are called in great numbers. Good fortune. No fault.
- The judgment of 57 Gentleness
It's a time when you'll gain and succeed through gentleness. This isn't the time for big actions, or for using pressure or force. It's a time to choose a path and stay on it steadily. Even if you don't see much progress, success will show itself through the build-up of small actions and through seeking the support of those above you.
Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 57 Gentlenesslines 2 and 3
Other transformations of Gentleness
- 37The Tribelines 1 and 2
- 61Inner Integritylines 1 and 3
- 1Activitylines 1 and 4
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2 and 4
- 6Conflictlines 3 and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1 and 5
- 52Abidinglines 2 and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 3 and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 4 and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1 and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2 and 6
- 29Waterlines 3 and 6
- 28Excesseslines 4 and 6
- 46Going Uplines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.