Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Observing becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as four lines move, the second, fourth, fifth and top. The two still lines of 40 Clearing Obstacles guide the reading. The first says that with the obstacles behind you, you should rest for now and recover your strength to keep going. The third warns that arrogance and inflated boasting would stir up quarrels and envy, putting your gains at risk.
The careful observation of the starting hexagram has helped you through. Now comes a pause, and a test of modesty. Rest, and let others see your results without inflating them. Since people watch you, your manner after a success matters as much as the success. Watch for the urge to celebrate loudly or claim more than your share; quiet rest protects what you've gained, and it restores the strength you'll need for the next stretch of the road.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
With the obstacles behind you, take a rest for now so you can recover your strength to keep going.
No fault.
- Line 3 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
If you act high-handed and boast about your achievements, exaggerating them, you'll draw quarrels and envy that threaten to take away what you've gained.
Carries a load on the back and rides in a carriage: this brings raiders. Constancy brings distress.
- The judgment of 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- Line 4 of 20 Observing
You can look at things with wisdom and bring light where there is darkness. This will bring you recognition.
Contemplating the light of the kingdom. It is favorable to be the king's guest.
- Line 5 of 20 Observing
If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.
Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.
- Line 6 of 20 Observing
If you observe the laws that govern the world, the coming and going of things, you'll act wisely.
Contemplating their life. For the noble person, 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.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 20 Observinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Observing
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 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.