Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 6

Release from Obstacles becomes Inaction

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Clouds rise to the sky but don't yet rain. With the first, third and top lines moving, water over heaven gives 5 Inaction, and the two judgments carry equal weight. 59 Release from Obstacles says the knots come from selfishness, and they loosen with honesty, with a common purpose that draws rivals together, and with a willingness to float rather than fight the stream. 5 Inaction says it's time to wait, not act, though waiting isn't standing still: it's a time to prepare for the active period ahead. Look at conditions without lying to yourself and stay calm and alert. The combination asks for patience in the middle of reconciliation. You've done, or can do, what releases the tension; now let it settle. Don't force agreements or push for results. Use the pause to get ready, and keep watching for the sign that it's time to move.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles

    You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.

    Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

  2. The judgment of 5 Inaction

    It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.

    There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

  3. Line 1 of 59 Release from Obstacles

    Before the separation begins, you can use your resources to prevent it by joining forces.

    Rescue comes with a strong horse. Good fortune.

  4. Line 3 of 59 Release from Obstacles

    If you're clear about your goals and purposes, you'll be able to give ground so as to find unity and get past the obstacles.

    Scatters its own self. No regret.

  5. Line 6 of 59 Release from Obstacles

    Get away in time from whatever puts you and your people in danger. Withdrawing now isn't running away: it's dissolving the risk before it reaches you, and there's no mistake in that.

    Scatters its blood; goes away, departs far off. No fault.

The trigrams

Below Water Heaven
Above Wind Water

The way back

5 Inaction → 59 Release from Obstacles
lines 1, 3, and 6

Other transformations of Release from Obstacles

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins