Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
The Traveler becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder gather once every line but the second has moved. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 3 Initial Obstacles, carries the reading: obstacles are on the way, but help will come, so act cautiously until you feel secure and able to receive it. The resulting hexagram adds that it's better not to act directly now; let allies represent you, and watch for when to take back the initiative. Coming from The Traveler, you're at a hard beginning in a new place. Don't force it. Move carefully, build your support, and let others open doors for you. Sort out the threads one at a time. When you feel steady, step forward yourself. Until then, caution is a form of progress.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- The judgment of 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 56 The Traveler
It's a time to act with dignity and focus on what really matters right now. Relaxing too much and not taking things seriously will bring trouble.
The traveler, small and niggling: so disaster is brought on.
- Line 3 of 56 The Traveler
If you lose your kindness now and turn irritable and aggressive, you'll bring on trouble.
The traveler burns down the inn and loses the young servant. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 4 of 56 The Traveler
Even though you can gain material rewards and comfort, avoid living in constant distrust and worry.
The traveler finds a place to stay and gets their goods and their axe. My heart is not glad.
- Line 5 of 56 The Traveler
If you can enjoy this passing situation and make the most of it, you'll achieve things.
Shoots a pheasant; one arrow is lost. In the end, renown and a mandate.
- Line 6 of 56 The Traveler
If you relax too much, forgetting that you're only passing through, and stop tending to your ultimate purpose, you'll run into problems.
The bird burns its nest. The traveler laughs first and wails aloud after. Loses the ox at Yi. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 56 The Travelerlines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Traveler
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.