Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 5
Adapting becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as the first, second and fifth lines move. With three lines changing, the two judgments set the reading. The starting hexagram, 17 Adapting, is a call to fit yourself to the moment, taking the lead or stepping behind as it requires. 40 Clearing Obstacles says the obstacles have been overcome one by one, and now balance matters: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating your abilities. The link between them is a sense of measure. Following well, here, means reading how much you can carry. Move fast where the way is open, and if you feel you need rest, or even a step back before going on, take it. The noble person in the starting image goes in to rest at dusk, and that's a good model. Release comes to those who don't exhaust themselves claiming it.
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 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.
- 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 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 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, and 5
Other transformations of Adapting
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, and 3
- 29Waterlines 1, 2, and 4
- 39Held Backlines 1, 3, and 4
- 5Inactionlines 2, 3, and 4
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 3, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 1, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 3, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, and 6
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, and 6
- 20Observinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 4, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 3, 4, and 6
- 35Advancelines 1, 5, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 5, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 3, 5, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.