Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Initial Obstacles becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder now sounds over a mountain as four lines change, the first, third, fourth and fifth, leaving the second and the top still. In that case, guidance comes from what doesn't change in the resulting hexagram, 62 Success in Small Matters: its quiet second and top lines. Its second line says that recognizing your limits right now and aiming for small achievements will bear fruit. Its top line warns that chasing goals beyond your reach tends to cost you whatever you put into them.
From the difficult start of 3 Initial Obstacles, the message is plain. Scale your plans to your present means. A modest result that actually happens is worth more than a grand one that drains you. Watch for ambition that outruns your resources. Pick the next small, real step, take it well, and let the larger picture build from there. Progress here is measured in inches, and that's enough.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 62 Success in Small Matters, which stays still
Recognizing your limitations right now and focusing on small achievements will bear fruit.
Passes the grandfather and meets the grandmother; does not reach the lord and meets the minister. No fault.
- Line 6 of 62 Success in Small Matters, which stays still
If you insist on chasing goals that are out of reach for now, you'll lose whatever you put into them.
Not meeting it, goes past it. The bird in flight falls into the net. Misfortune. This is called calamity and ruin.
- 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 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 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.
- The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 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.