Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
The Flame becomes Release from Obstacles
What this change means
Five lines move, all but the top, and the double fire turns into wind over water, dispersing what was concentrated. The single still line, the top of 59 Release from Obstacles, gives the counsel: move yourself and those close to you away from danger while there's still time. Pulling back at this point isn't flight; it removes the danger before it touches you, and that's no error. The broader resulting hexagram adds that obstacles loosen through sincerity and through bringing opposites together around shared goals, with humility and by going with the current. So protect what matters before trouble arrives. Watch for the pride that sees stepping aside as weakness. Moving your people out of harm's way, and letting go of selfish aims, is what releases you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still
Get away in time from whatever puts you and your people in danger. Withdrawing now isn't running away: it's dissolving the risk before it reaches you, and there's no mistake in that.
Scatters its blood; goes away, departs far off. No fault.
- The judgment of 30 The Flame
There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.
Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 30 The Flame
Right now it's important to stay calm and focused on your projects, without getting swept up in the noise around you.
Footsteps crossing every which way. With reverence, no fault.
- Line 2 of 30 The Flame
Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.
Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.
- Line 3 of 30 The Flame
Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.
The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.
- Line 4 of 30 The Flame
A quick rise, unless your inner strength and steadiness feed it, will be short-lived.
Suddenly, so it comes: blazing, dying, cast away.
- Line 5 of 30 The Flame
After a rise, expect a decline. If you stand firm and understand that this is life's natural rhythm, you'll recover.
Tears pouring down in streams, sighs of sorrow. Good fortune.
- 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 → 30 The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of The Flame
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.