Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Darkness becomes Clearing Obstacles

Starting hexagram

Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Rain and thunder break loose as the four lower lines move: Fire turns to Water and Earth to Thunder. Only the fifth and top lines of 40 Clearing Obstacles stay unmoved, so they speak for this change. The fifth calls for decisive action that keeps you clear of the wrong people and situations, done by ignoring them and giving them no attention while you build your inner strength. The top line says that once that inner work is done, you can get through the obstacles and reach your aim with firm action. Coming from Darkness, this is the way out. First turn away from what drains you; then, strengthened, act. Watch for engaging with the people who caused the trouble. Your attention is your strength now, so spend it on yourself and your aim.

What to read, in order

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

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.
Line 6 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
Once you've strengthened your inner self, you can get through the obstacles and achieve your purpose with firm, decisive action.

The duke shoots at a falcon on top of the high wall and hits it. Nothing that is not favorable.
The judgment of 36 Darkness
It's a dark time: circumstances force you to live alongside the wrong people. If you know how to protect yourself, hold on to your integrity, and go unnoticed, without openly showing your light and your talents, you'll stay safe until better times come. However hard they seem, hard times pass too.

Constancy in hardship is favorable.
Line 1 of 36 Darkness
Trying to move ahead right now will only show you obstacles. Keep persevering on the right path, the one your heart moves you along, without straying from your goal and advancing as far as you can.

The wounded light, in flight, lowers its wings. The noble person is on the road: three days without eating. There is somewhere to go; the host grumbles.
Line 2 of 36 Darkness
Difficulties are growing and circumstances affect you directly, but your firm resolve, acting for a greater good, and contributing as you're able will lead you to victory.

The wounded light: wounded in the left thigh. Rescued with a strong horse. Good fortune.
Line 3 of 36 Darkness
A small stroke of luck lets you move forward, but the obstacles aren't overcome yet, so don't celebrate too soon. Stay alert until they're fully defeated.

The wounded light on the southern hunt: the great chief is taken. Constancy must not be hurried.
Line 4 of 36 Darkness
You'll be allowed to see the causes of the hard situations you're facing. This will help you act quickly and withdraw to safe ground before adversity takes complete control.

It enters the left side of the belly; it reaches the heart of the wounded light and goes out through the courtyard gate.
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

Below Fire Water

Above Earth Thunder

The way back

40 Clearing Obstacles → 36 Darkness
lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Darkness

Make your own cast

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

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