Transformation · lines 2, 3, 5, and 6
Great Achievements becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder: four lines move, the second, third, fifth and top, and Great Achievements becomes 3 Initial Obstacles. The resulting hexagram's still lines are brief. The first says it's time to let others act for you. The fourth says accepting help is wise now, even at the cost of some pride. The resulting hexagram describes a hard beginning, a time not to act directly but through allies who represent you, while staying alert for the moment to take the initiative back. Great Achievements might push you to do it all yourself. Don't. Let capable people carry part of the load, accept their help without pride, and organize things carefully. Watch closely, and when the conditions turn, you'll be ready to step forward in your own name.
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 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
It's time to let others act for you.
Hesitating, circling by the rock. Abiding in constancy is favorable. It is favorable to install lords.
- 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 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 2 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait until conditions are right to act, because outside circumstances are holding you back.
The axle strap slips from the cart.
- Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.
Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 5 of 26 Great Achievements
Facing the situations and people trying to stop you, not head-on but cleverly, ensures your success.
The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 26 Great Achievements
Everything is in your favor right now; success is assured. You'll receive help from Heaven.
How wide the roads of heaven. Success.
- 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 → 26 Great Achievementslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Great Achievements
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 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.