Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Immaturity becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder: four lines move, the first, second, fifth and top, and 4 Immaturity becomes a hard beginning. The reading rests on the still third and fourth lines of 3 Initial Obstacles. The third says obstacles right now won't yield to action; they ease when you step back and wait for conditions to improve. The fourth says it's wise to take the help on offer, even at the cost of your pride.
For a learner, this is a familiar position made sharper. You're starting something difficult, and pushing won't solve it. What will help is patience and the willingness to be helped. Watch for the pride that says you should manage alone, or the impatience that says you should force your way through. Step back where you must, accept support where it's offered, and let the beginning take its time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
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, which stays still
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.
- The judgment of 4 Immaturity
Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.
Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 4 Immaturity
You'll receive help, but you have to apply what you're told. Choose guides who demand a lot of you without being domineering.
To wake the ignorant, it is favorable to use punishment and to take off the shackles. Going on this way: distress.
- Line 2 of 4 Immaturity
It's time to cultivate yourself inwardly; then your worth will show on the outside.
Embracing the ignorant: good fortune. Taking a wife: good fortune. The son can hold up the house.
- Line 5 of 4 Immaturity
If you recognize your lack of knowledge in the area of your question and seek advice, you'll get good results.
A child's ignorance. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 4 Immaturity
Accepting the consequences of your actions and correcting what's needed will help you right now.
Striking the ignorant. Being a raider is not favorable; stopping the raider is favorable.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 4 Immaturitylines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Immaturity
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 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.