Transformation · line 6
Clearing Obstacles becomes Transition
What this change means
The duke draws a bow at a falcon perched on a high wall and brings it down: the top line moves alone, and it's the heart of this reading. Once you've strengthened yourself inside, you can clear the last obstacle with firm, decisive action. Nothing stands against you that a well-aimed shot can't resolve. As the line changes, the Thunder above becomes Fire, and Clearing Obstacles turns into 64 Transition, fire above water. The resulting hexagram adds a crucial caution. Things are coming together, but some pieces haven't fallen into place, and mistakes born of immaturity can still pull you off course, even after you get what you want. So take the shot when you're ready, cleanly and with full commitment. Then stay alert. Don't relax the moment the target falls; the crossing isn't finished until everything is truly in place.
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.
- 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 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 40 Clearing Obstaclesline 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.