Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes Transition
What this change means
Fire now stands above water, the crossing not yet made: five lines move, all but the third. The still third line of 64 Transition becomes the heart of the reading. It warns that haste and force lead to failure, and that seeing this clearly and turning to people who can support you gets you back on track. The resulting hexagram describes a time when things are coming together, but some pieces haven't fallen into place. It's a moment to stay alert against mistakes of inexperience.
Coming out of 3 Initial Obstacles, the theme of relying on others returns in a new key. You're closer to your goal, and that's exactly when impatience does the most damage. Slow down at the edge. Ask for help, check what's still missing, and cross only when you're ready. Watch, too, for the hesitation that sometimes follows success.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 64 Transition, which stays still
Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.
Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, 5, 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.