Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Initial Obstacles becomes Excesses
What this change means
Four lines move, from the first to the fourth, and the scene changes completely: a lake now covers the wind, an image of water rising over the trees. With so much in motion, the reading turns to the two lines of 28 Excesses that stay still. Its fifth line warns that strengthening ties with those above you while neglecting the people you lead tends to bring only limited success. Its top line speaks of taking on something extraordinary despite the drawbacks: there's danger and loss in it, but also the satisfaction of having done everything you could.
Read from the hard start of 3 Initial Obstacles, this is a moment that demands more than usual. Check the foundations under your projects and look after everyone involved, not just the people with influence. If you choose the bold path, choose it with open eyes, knowing the cost. Effort given fully is its own reward here.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
When you focus on strengthening ties with those above you but forget to pay attention to those you lead, your success will be limited.
The withered poplar puts out flowers. An old woman takes a young husband. No fault, no praise.
- Line 6 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
When, despite the drawbacks, you decide to take on extraordinary undertakings, you'll be exposed to danger and loss, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything in your power.
Wading too far, the water closes over the crown of the head. Misfortune. No fault.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 1 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's time to let others act for you.
Hesitating, circling by the rock. Abiding in constancy is favorable. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- Line 4 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's wise to accept help now, even if it means leaving your pride behind.
The horses of the team pull apart. Seeking marriage. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
28 Excesses → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.