Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 5
Initial Obstacles becomes Passion
What this change means
Thunder bursts out of the earth: the first, fourth and fifth lines move, and the hesitation of a hard start becomes a surge of enthusiasm. Three lines in motion give equal weight to both judgments. 3 Initial Obstacles keeps you out of the direct fight for now, leaning on allies who act in your name, ready to take charge when the opening appears.
The resulting hexagram, 16 Passion, describes a passionate drive that can spread to others and win their help, making big projects possible with resolve and optimism. For those projects to succeed and last, though, you can't look after only your own interests. The needs of the people working with you matter as much as yours. Read together, the judgments say that your energy is best channeled through others. Share the vision, let them act, and take care of them. Watch for enthusiasm that runs ahead of the team.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 16 Passion
A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.
It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
16 Passion → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, and 4
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, and 4
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 3, 4, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.