Transformation · lines 3 and 4
Going Up becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as the third and fourth lines move. The fourth leads with arrival: you reach your goals and gain recognition. The third comes just before it, the empty city with no one barring the way, and asks you to use this open time to push toward what you want. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, says the blocks have been overcome one by one. Now balance matters: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating your strength, and rest or step back if you need it. In short, the way is clear and the goal is in reach. Move while things are flowing, but don't exhaust yourself in the rush. Forgive the small things that went wrong along the way. A rise that knows when to pause tends to arrive in better shape.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 46 Going Up
This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No fault.
- Line 3 of 46 Going Up
It's important to make the most of this time of rising while it lasts and to work toward your goals.
Ascends into an empty city.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 46 Going Uplines 3 and 4
Other transformations of Going Up
- 36Darknesslines 1 and 2
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1 and 3
- 2Passivitylines 2 and 3
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1 and 4
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2 and 4
- 5Inactionlines 1 and 5
- 39Held Backlines 2 and 5
- 29Waterlines 3 and 5
- 28Excesseslines 4 and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1 and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2 and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 3 and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 4 and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.