What this change means
Five lines change and the second alone holds, so clouds rise into the sky, waiting to rain. That still line of 5 Inaction is short: stay calm even if gossip comes up. The hexagram asks you to wait rather than act, though waiting isn't standing still; prepare for the active period that's coming, look at conditions honestly, and stay alert for the moment to move. While the crossing remains unfinished, this is a time of calm preparation. People may talk about the delay or question your choices. Let it pass. Don't react, and don't rush to prove anything. Use the time to get ready, keep your view of the situation clear, and trust that the right moment will show itself.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 5 Inaction, which stays still
Stay calm even if gossip comes up.
Waiting on the sand. A few words against; in the end, good fortune.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
- Line 1 of 64 Transition
If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.
Wets its tail. Distress.
- Line 3 of 64 Transition
Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.
Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 4 of 64 Transition
The time for action has come. Define what you want and head straight for it: you'll make growing, lasting progress.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. With the force of thunder the land of Guifang is attacked; in three years comes a reward from the great kingdom.
- Line 5 of 64 Transition
You get what you want; you'll be able to enjoy it and contribute to the well-being of others.
Constancy brings good fortune. No regret. The light of the noble person: there is sincere trust. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 64 Transition
You'll have success and tangible results. You can relax, have fun and share what you've achieved with others, but don't overdo it: any excess will lead to loss.
There is sincere trust in drinking wine. No fault. If the head gets wet, trust loses its measure.
- 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 → 64 Transitionlines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Transition
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.