Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4

Attraction becomes Initial Obstacles

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder stirs below and Water gathers above: the first, third and fourth lines move, and an easy attraction meets the knot of a hard beginning. Each judgment counts equally. Attraction invites an open, receptive stance that draws in people who help without angling for anything. The resulting hexagram, 3 Initial Obstacles, says this isn't a moment for direct action. Find others who can step in on your behalf, allies who speak for you, and stay alert for the moment to take the initiative back. These fit together well. The openness that draws people to you is exactly what lets you find those representatives. You won't push through this start on your own strength, so don't try. Let others carry part of the load, keep the threads in order, and watch closely for the point when it's your turn to step forward.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 31 Attraction

    You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.

    Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 1 of 31 Attraction

    Your outlook and attitude are right, but you still need to wait for support and alliances to arrive.

    Contact at the big toe.

  4. Line 3 of 31 Attraction

    Don't act hastily, attaching yourself to the wrong people or chasing your dreams without thinking: this will take you off the path.

    Contact at the thighs. Holding on to what follows. Going on: distress.

  5. Line 4 of 31 Attraction

    Centering yourself in your heart and your inner resources will let what is right for you find you naturally.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Restless, coming and going; friends follow your thoughts.

The trigrams

Above Lake Water

The way back

3 Initial Obstacles → 31 Attraction
lines 1, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Attraction

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins