Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes The Traveler
What this change means
Fire on the mountain, a light that moves on: five lines change, all except the second, and the starting struggle turns into a journey. The still second line of 56 The Traveler gives the reading its center. It says you already have with you what you need to stay safe wherever you go, and that help tends to come from simple, capable people. The resulting hexagram describes a time of small achievements and change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt. Keep a light, flexible attitude, loosen what ties you down, and meet new people with grace.
From 3 Initial Obstacles, this is quite a shift. The allies you need may not be the important ones you expected, but ordinary, skilled people along the way. Trust what you already carry. Watch for clinging to the old setting. Travel light, and stay kind.
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 56 The Traveler, which stays still
You carry with you the resources you need to be secure wherever you are and whatever comes up. You'll draw help from simple, capable people.
The traveler reaches the inn, carries their goods close, and gains a young servant who is loyal.
- 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.
- 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 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
56 The Traveler → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 3, 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.