Transformation · lines 3, 5, and 6

Release from Obstacles becomes Going Up

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A tree begins to rise from inside the earth. With the third, fifth and top lines moving, 59 Release from Obstacles becomes 46 Going Up, and each judgment counts for half. The first says the tension came from selfishness, and that you'll get past it by acting sincerely, bringing opposites together around a shared aim and letting the current carry you. The second describes a time of rising, the fruit of work done with dedication, in which seeking out an important person can bring great success; there's no need to fear that meeting. The movement runs from untangling to climbing. Once you've let go of what was blocking you, growth tends to come steadily, like a tree adding rings. Go to the people who can help, and go without fear. Keep the humility, though; it's what makes the climb sound.

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 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Line 5 of 59 Release from Obstacles

    In times of deep division and widespread selfishness, make unity your aim, even if it means yielding more than you think you should.

    Scatters its great proclamation like sweat. Scatters the dwelling of the king. No fault.

  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 Wind
Above Wind Earth

The way back

46 Going Up → 59 Release from Obstacles
lines 3, 5, 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