Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Clearing Obstacles becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
A tree grows on the mountain as five lines move, and Clearing Obstacles becomes 53 Gradual Progress. Only the first line of the new figure keeps its place, and it carries the counsel: your first steps may be slow, and inexperience may make failure look likely at the start, so people will talk; there's nothing to fear. The resulting hexagram describes progress that comes step by step, through stages that make it stable, while rushing brings delays. After clearing obstacles, you may be starting something new and feel exposed. Let the talk go by. Take the next small step, then the next, and don't measure yourself by early impressions. Growth that is built rung by rung tends to stand firm long after the gossip has faded.
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 53 Gradual Progress, which stays still
Your first steps may be slow, and through lack of experience it may look at first as if you'll fail, so people will talk. Nothing to fear.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the shore. The young one is in danger; there is talk. No fault.
- 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 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.
- Line 6 of 40 Clearing Obstacles
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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 40 Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
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.