Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes Wealth
What this change means
Fire above heaven, light over everything: five lines move, every one but the first, and the hard beginning becomes a time of abundance. The still first line of 14 Wealth sets the reading. It says this is the early stage of prosperity and obstacles may still arise; staying on the straight path and acting simply keeps you moving forward.
Seen from 3 Initial Obstacles, this is a remarkable turn, but it's still a beginning, which is why the old caution applies. The resulting hexagram describes inner and outer plenty, and asks you to keep your character centered and to cultivate generosity so that the wealth lasts and reaches others. Watch for getting complicated or showy as things improve. Keep your ways simple, your conduct honest, and your hands open. That's what lets an early abundance grow into something lasting.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 14 Wealth, which stays still
It's the early stage of wealth, and obstacles may arise. If you stay on the straight path and act simply, you'll keep moving forward.
No dealings with what harms; not a fault. Mindful of hardship, no fault.
- 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 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 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 14 Wealth
A time of abundance and prosperity, both inner and outer. It's important to keep your character centered and to cultivate good deeds and generosity, so that this wealth lasts and reaches others.
Great success.
The trigrams
The way back
14 Wealth → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 2, 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.