Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6
The Flame becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as four lines move, the three below and the top, and the double light turns into release. The still fourth and fifth lines of 40 Clearing Obstacles give the guidance. The fourth asks you to release bonds and allegiances you can't rely on, which would only slow you down, so you can move forward freely. The fifth calls for a firm choice to stay clear of the wrong people and circumstances: you do it by ignoring them, giving them no attention, while you build your inner strength. So the obstacles clear when you stop carrying what weighs you down. Be honest about which connections are holding you back. Watch for loyalty that has become a burden. Turn your attention inward and away from those who drain you, and the path opens.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
It's important to let go of ties and loyalties that can't be trusted and that, if anything, will slow your progress, so you can move forward freely.
Untie your big toe: the friend arrives, and then there is trust.
- Line 5 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
It's time for decisive action that keeps you away from the wrong people and situations. You do this by ignoring them and paying them no attention while you build up your inner strength.
The noble person need only get free: good fortune. There is sincere trust, even before the petty person.
- 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 6 of 30 The Flame
If you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and make the corrections needed, you'll succeed.
The king sets out on campaign. There is merit: the chief's head is cut off, and the captives are not the chief's own people. 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 → 30 The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of The Flame
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 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.