Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3

Clearing Obstacles becomes Abundance

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The whole lower trigram changes, and the rain beneath the thunder becomes lightning: Clearing Obstacles turns into 55 Abundance. Three moving lines put the two judgments on an equal footing. The starting one marks the end of a struggle, the barriers gone one after another, and asks for a sense of proportion: move fast and firmly where it's possible, never past your real capacity, and pause whenever your body or mind asks for it. The resulting hexagram describes growth toward a period of satisfaction and plenty that lasts a while and then wanes; enjoy it, and when it fades, keep your spirits up without worry. Together they describe release opening onto fullness. Don't spend the good time recklessly, and don't cling to it either. Move decisively while the way is clear, rest when you're tired, and accept that fullness has a season. Calm at the peak is what lets you enjoy it.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 55 Abundance

    You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.

    Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.

  3. Line 1 of 40 Clearing Obstacles

    With the obstacles behind you, take a rest for now so you can recover your strength to keep going.

    No fault.

  4. Line 2 of 40 Clearing Obstacles

    The obstacles are overcome; now you're easy prey for flattery. If you avoid falling for it and bring what isn't right into the open, cleanly and without a single flaw, you'll succeed.

    On the hunt, catches three foxes and gains a yellow arrow. Constancy brings good fortune.

  5. Line 3 of 40 Clearing Obstacles

    If you act high-handed and boast about your achievements, exaggerating them, you'll draw quarrels and envy that threaten to take away what you've gained.

    Carries a load on the back and rides in a carriage: this brings raiders. Constancy brings distress.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Thunder stays

The way back

55 Abundance → 40 Clearing Obstacles
lines 1, 2, and 3

Other transformations of Clearing Obstacles

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins