Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Adapting becomes Release from Obstacles
What this change means
Four lines move, the first, second, fourth and top, and the figure becomes wind over water. The reading looks to the still lines of 59 Release from Obstacles, the third and fifth. The third says that if you're clear about your goals, you can give ground in order to find unity and get past what blocks you. The fifth speaks of times of deep division and widespread selfishness, when unity should be your aim even if it means yielding more than you think fair. Coming from a hexagram about adapting, that's a natural step. Your skill at yielding and listening now serves something larger than you. The resulting hexagram asks for sincerity and humility, letting the current carry you rather than fighting it. Hold your purpose clearly, give way generously on everything else, and help bring scattered people together.
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 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still
If you're clear about your goals and purposes, you'll be able to give ground so as to find unity and get past the obstacles.
Scatters its own self. No regret.
- Line 5 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still
In times of deep division and widespread selfishness, make unity your aim, even if it means yielding more than you think you should.
Scatters its great proclamation like sweat. Scatters the dwelling of the king. No fault.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 4 of 17 Adapting
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles
You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.
Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
59 Release from Obstacles → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 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.