What this change means
Wind passes over the earth as three lines change, the image of looking closely before acting. The two judgments are weighed side by side. The starting hexagram notes that much is ready but some things aren't, and that without attention you can make immature mistakes, especially when you stop or hesitate. The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, says observe before you act: you may be inspiring others now, and at the same time you need to watch those who inspire you, so things unfold at the right moment. Together they ask for a pause of attention, not inaction. Study what's still missing and who can teach you. Notice the influence you already have. Then move when the timing is clear, and let careful observation do what impatience would spoil.
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 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.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 64 Transition
Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.
Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 64 Transitionlines 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Transition
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, and 3
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 3, 4, and 5
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 3, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 3, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.