Transformation · lines 1, 5, and 6
Treading Carefully becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose when the first, fifth and top lines move, and the tension of the walk past the tiger releases. Three moving lines give both judgments equal weight. The starting one describes walking near danger with skill: attentive, courteous, and so unthreatening that rivals let you by. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, says the obstacles have been overcome one by one, and now balance matters: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overestimating yourself, and rest or step back if you need to. Together they show the careful walk ending in relief. Don't waste the moment, but don't overreach either. Tie up loose ends promptly. Forgive what can be forgiven, take the rest you need, and keep the same awareness that brought you through.
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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 10 Treading Carefully
You're in a position out of view that will let you focus on your projects.
A plain step. Going: no fault.
- Line 5 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.
A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 6 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you watch for the favorable signs to know when to act, and then act decisively, you'll succeed.
Looking back over the steps taken, examining the signs. If it turns back on itself: great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, and 3
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 3, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 2, 3, and 4
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 2, 3, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 4, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 2, 4, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 3, 4, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 1, 2, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 3, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 3, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 4, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 2, 5, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 3, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.