Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5

Initial Obstacles becomes Clearing Obstacles

屯 3 Initial Obstacles 解 40 Clearing Obstacles
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder and rain break loose: with four lines moving, the first, second, fourth and fifth, the knot of 3 Initial Obstacles begins to loosen. When four lines move, the still lines of the resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, carry the meaning. Its third line warns against acting high-handed or boasting about what you've achieved; exaggeration draws quarrels and envy that can take your gains away. Its top line points to the other side: once you've strengthened yourself inside, firm and decisive action can carry you through the last obstacles to your purpose.

So relief is in reach, and the danger now is less the outside world than your own reaction to success. Stay modest about what's going well, keep building your inner steadiness, and when the moment calls for a clear move, make it without hesitation. Watch for showing off. Quiet confidence keeps what you've won.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 3 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still

    If you act high-handed and boast about your achievements, exaggerating them, you'll draw quarrels and envy that threaten to take away what you've gained.

    Carries a load on the back and rides in a carriage: this brings raiders. Constancy brings distress.

  2. Line 6 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still

    Once you've strengthened your inner self, you can get through the obstacles and achieve your purpose with firm, decisive action.

    The duke shoots at a falcon on top of the high wall and hits it. Nothing that is not favorable.

  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 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles

    The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.

    The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Water
Above Water Thunder

The way back

40 Clearing Obstacles → 3 Initial Obstacles
lines 1, 2, 4, and 5

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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