Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 6
The Traveler becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as the second, third and top lines change. Starting and resulting judgments matter equally. In The Traveler, the gains are small and the wise stance is supple and unburdened. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, describes the moment after obstacles have been overcome one by one, when balance matters: move quickly and decisively where you can, without overestimating your strength, and rest or step back if you need to. The image adds forgiveness of mistakes. So the tension of the journey is easing. Use the release well. Tie up loose ends while things are fluid, forgive what needs forgiving, and don't push past your limits. A short pause now can keep you fresh for the next leg.
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 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.
- 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 2 of 56 The Traveler
You carry with you the resources you need to be secure wherever you are and whatever comes up. You'll draw help from simple, capable people.
The traveler reaches the inn, carries their goods close, and gains a young servant who is loyal.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 56 The Travelerlines 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of The Traveler
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 3
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 4
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 4
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 3, and 4
- 1Activitylines 1, 2, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 3, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 2, 3, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 2, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 3, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 3, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.