What this change means
Earth below and a lake above: when the first and fourth lines move, the hard start of 3 Initial Obstacles opens into a gathering. The fourth line leads. It asks you to accept help, even if your pride objects, because seeking the right partnership now brings good fortune. The first line supports it from below: hold steady where you stand and let others act on your behalf rather than forcing the way yourself. These two lines fit together naturally, one reaching out, the other staying grounded.
The resulting hexagram, 45 Meeting, shows a very favorable situation taking shape, with what you need ready for the next step. You can ask for support and meet with those who'll back you. It's a good time to take on important things, to care for your inner life with some kind of practice, and to prepare for the unexpected. Don't let pride keep you outside the circle.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
45 Meeting → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1 and 4
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 29Waterlines 1 and 2
- 39Held Backlines 1 and 3
- 5Inactionlines 2 and 3
- 58Inner Peacelines 2 and 4
- 49Renewallines 3 and 4
- 2Passivitylines 1 and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2 and 5
- 36Darknesslines 3 and 5
- 51Shocklines 4 and 5
- 20Observinglines 1 and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 2 and 6
- 37The Tribelines 3 and 6
- 25Innocencelines 4 and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.