Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Clearing Obstacles becomes After the End
What this change means
Five lines move, and Clearing Obstacles becomes 63 After the End, water standing above fire. Only the top line of that figure stays as it is, and it sets the tone: this is a period of advance, and retreating or stopping now brings trouble. The resulting hexagram describes a passing success, with everything seeming to go your way and a quieter, stagnant stretch following; preparing ahead softens its effects. That's a delicate combination. Clearing Obstacles allowed for rest and even a step back, but here the moment calls for going on. Keep moving while the way is open, and don't lose momentum out of excessive caution. At the same time, plan for the slowdown that tends to come after a high point. Go forward with your eyes open, setting aside some resources now so the later lull doesn't catch you unprepared.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 63 After the End, which stays still
This is a period of advance: retreating or stopping will bring you trouble.
Wets its head. Danger.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 40 Clearing Obstacles
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
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 63 After the End
You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.
Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.
The trigrams
The way back
63 After the End → 40 Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
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.