Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Initial Obstacles becomes Going Up
What this change means
Four lines move, the three at the base and the fifth, and a tree begins to grow up through the earth. With this many lines in motion, the still lines of the resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, guide the reading. Its fourth line speaks of a time when you can reach your goals and gain recognition. Its top line adds a condition: hold your aim in view and refuse to be dragged off track by whatever comes up.
From the tangled start of 3 Initial Obstacles, this is a hopeful movement. The effort you put in during the hard phase can start to pay off, and the climb can be real. The risk lies in distraction. Once things go well, it's easy to drift toward the next bright distraction. Keep your aim clear, and let each step build on the one before. Steady attention, more than force, is what carries you upward.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 46 Going Up, which stays still
This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No fault.
- Line 6 of 46 Going Up, which stays still
Keep in mind what you want to achieve and don't let circumstances pull you away from your goals.
Ascent in the dark. A constancy that never rests is favorable.
- 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 5 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
Holding back its richness. In small things, constancy brings good fortune; in great things, even with constancy, misfortune.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 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.