Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6
The Flame becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder fill the upper part as four lines move, the third through the top, and the clear double light becomes a hard beginning. The still first and second lines of 3 Initial Obstacles give the guidance. The first says it's time to let others act for you. The second says obstacles lie ahead, yet help is coming; move carefully until you feel safe enough to accept it. So this isn't the moment to push forward personally. Find allies who can represent you, move carefully, and stay open to the help that's coming. Watch for impatience and the urge to handle everything yourself. Stay alert, too, so you know when it's time to take the initiative back. Weave the threads in order, as the image says, and let the start take shape.
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 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- 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 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.
- 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 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 → 30 The Flamelines 3, 4, 5, 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
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 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
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.