Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6

Initial Obstacles becomes Gentleness

屯 3 Initial Obstacles 巽 57 Gentleness
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Wind following wind: the lower trigram changes entirely and the top line turns as well, and the struggle of 3 Initial Obstacles turns into something soft, penetrating and persistent. Guidance here comes from the two lines of 57 Gentleness that don't move. Its fourth line says you're able to act as the situation requires, so go ahead, neither rushing nor delaying, and you can succeed. Its fifth line speaks of a change of course: reflect before you set out, and once you know what you want, act on it.

These are encouraging words after a hard beginning. The capacity you need is there, but it works through steadiness rather than force. Take time to get clear, then move at a pace you can sustain. Watch for two traps: hesitating too long once you know your aim, or pushing so hard you lose the gentle touch that makes progress possible.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 4 of 57 Gentleness, which stays still

    You're able to act as the situation requires, so go ahead, without haste but without delay, and you'll succeed.

    Regret vanishes. In the hunt, three kinds of game are taken.

  2. Line 5 of 57 Gentleness, which stays still

    It's time to change course. Reflect before you set out; once you know what you want, taking action will make your success certain.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Nothing that is not favorable. No beginning, yet an end. Three days before the geng day, three days after the geng day: good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Line 6 of 3 Initial Obstacles

    Despite the obstacles, don't give up or lose heart.

    The horses of the team pull apart. Weeping blood, in endless streams.

  8. 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 trigrams

Below Thunder Wind
Above Water Wind

The way back

57 Gentleness → 3 Initial Obstacles
lines 1, 2, 3, and 6

Other transformations of Initial Obstacles

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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