Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4
Initial Obstacles becomes Overwhelmed
What this change means
Three lines move, the first, second and fourth, and the water that was above sinks below a lake: a lake without water, drained from beneath. This is a difficult turn, and the two judgments carry the reading. In 3 Initial Obstacles, direct action is premature; the way through runs via allies who carry your interests, while you stay watchful for your chance to step back in.
The resulting hexagram, 47 Overwhelmed, describes pressure from every side: the wrong people around you, words that aren't believed, obstacles that hem you in. All you can do there is accept the situation and wait for better conditions, relying on the inner light that's yours alone. Held together, the two judgments suggest a quiet strategy. Let trusted people speak and act where you can't be heard, keep your own center intact, and don't waste strength arguing. This is a time to endure wisely, not to win.
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 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.
- The judgment of 47 Overwhelmed
Things are very much against you: the wrong people surround you, no one believes what you say, and obstacles hem you in. All you can do is accept it and wait for better conditions to come. Your only resource is the inner light that lives in you; turn to that strength to hold you up right now.
Success. For the great person, constancy brings good fortune. No fault. They speak and are not believed.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
47 Overwhelmed → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 4
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, and 4
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 3, 4, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.