Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3
Abundance becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
With the three lower lines moving, Fire turns to Water beneath Thunder, and the reading rests on two judgments held in balance. Abundance speaks of a full season that you're growing toward: enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, stay calm and keep your spirits up instead of grieving. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, describes what comes after obstacles have been overcome one by one. It asks for balance: move fast and firmly where you're able, but don't overestimate yourself, and take a rest or even a step back if you need one. Together they describe a release after a time of fullness and pressure. Don't cling to the peak, and don't mourn it either. Use the freedom to settle what remains, then pause. Knowing your limits is part of moving well now.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- 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 1 of 55 Abundance
It's a very favorable time, but it asks for determined, energetic action from you to make the results greater.
Meets the lord who is its match. Even for ten days, no fault. Going earns esteem.
- Line 2 of 55 Abundance
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, good fortune.
- Line 3 of 55 Abundance
If your spirits sink, any obstacle, however small, will stop you from reaching what you want.
Full is the curtain: at noon the faint small stars are seen. The right arm is broken. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 55 Abundancelines 1, 2, and 3
Other transformations of Abundance
- 46Going Uplines 1, 2, and 4
- 2Passivitylines 1, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 3, and 4
- 28Excesseslines 1, 2, and 5
- 45Meetinglines 1, 3, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 3, and 5
- 39Held Backlines 1, 4, and 5
- 5Inactionlines 2, 4, and 5
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 6
- 35Advancelines 1, 3, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 2, 3, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 3, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 5, and 6
- 1Activitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 3, 5, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.