Transformation · lines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Clearing Obstacles becomes Observing
What this change means
Wind passes over the earth as four lines move, and Clearing Obstacles becomes 20 Observing. Its first and third lines don't change, and they frame the counsel. The first says it's not enough to stop at appearances; look further and connect the facts. The third says observing yourself along with the outside signs gives you a full view and lets you decide whether to advance or pull back. The resulting hexagram asks you to observe before acting, aware that others take inspiration from you while you learn from those who inspire you. With the obstacles behind you, the next step isn't obvious. Don't decide on the surface. Look at what's really going on, around you and inside you, and let the picture come together. Then the choice between moving on and holding back tends to make itself.
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 20 Observing, which stays still
It doesn't help to stop at appearances when you observe something. Go beyond simple looking: connect the facts.
Looking like a child. For the petty person, no fault; for the noble person, distress.
- Line 3 of 20 Observing, which stays still
Observing yourself, along with the signs coming from outside, will give you a full view of the situation and let you decide whether to advance or pull back.
Contemplating my own life: advancing or withdrawing.
- 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 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 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
The trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 40 Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Clearing Obstacles
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 39Held Backlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.