Transformation · lines 5 and 6
Clearing Obstacles becomes Conflict
What this change means
Heaven and water pull in opposite directions when the fifth and top lines move: Clearing Obstacles becomes 6 Conflict. The top line leads, the duke's shot from below the high wall: inner preparation, then a single clean act. The fifth line asks you to get free of the wrong people by ignoring them and focusing on your inner strength, a quiet sincerity even the petty eventually recognize. The resulting hexagram describes a conflict that action won't resolve; cleverness works better than force, and wise counsel helps. That shapes how you use the strength these lines describe. Don't turn decisiveness into a fight. Withdraw your attention from those stirring trouble, consult someone wise, and choose your moment carefully. The clean shot the top line describes is precise, not a brawl.
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 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.
- 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 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 judgment of 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 40 Clearing Obstacleslines 5 and 6
Other transformations of Clearing Obstacles
- 51Shocklines 1 and 2
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1 and 3
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2 and 3
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1 and 4
- 2Passivitylines 2 and 4
- 46Going Uplines 3 and 4
- 58Inner Peacelines 1 and 5
- 45Meetinglines 2 and 5
- 28Excesseslines 3 and 5
- 29Waterlines 4 and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 1 and 6
- 35Advancelines 2 and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 3 and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 4 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.