Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5
Initial Obstacles becomes Abundance
What this change means
Thunder and lightning arrive together as the third, fourth and fifth lines move, turning a hard start into a time of fullness. Three moving lines place both judgments side by side. The starting judgment says the front door is closed for now: send allies ahead in your place, and wait attentively for your own turn to lead.
The resulting hexagram, 55 Abundance, describes growth toward satisfaction and plenty. It lasts for a while, and when it ends, the advice is to stay calm, without sadness or worry. Joined together, the two judgments describe a path from patience to plenty. What you build carefully now, with others' help, can flourish. The lesson about abundance is to enjoy it fully while it lasts and not cling to it when it fades. Watch for mistaking a high point for a permanent state. Savor what you've achieved, and keep your spirits up when the tide turns.
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 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
55 Abundance → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 3, 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
- 16Passionlines 1, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2, 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.