Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes Activity
What this change means
Heaven doubled: four lines move, the second, third, fourth and top, and the struggle of a hard start turns into pure creative force. Still, the reading rests on the two lines of 1 Activity that don't move, and they pull in opposite directions. The first says it isn't yet time to act. The fifth says your undertakings can go well, with support available whenever you request it.
Together they describe a gathering of power that still needs its moment. You may feel ready, even strong, but the foundation of 3 Initial Obstacles is still settling. Prepare, ask for support, and line up what you'll need. When the time comes, your efforts can go well. Watch for confusing readiness with timing. The energy is real; the opening is close but not quite here. Keep the strength in reserve until it is.
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 1 Activity, which stays still
It's not yet time to act.
A dragon under the water. Do not act.
- Line 5 of 1 Activity, which stays still
What you undertake brings good results, and help is there if you ask for it.
The dragon flies in the sky. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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 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 1 Activity
The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.
Great success. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
1 Activity → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
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
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, 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
- 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.