Transformation · lines 4 and 5

Release from Obstacles becomes Transition

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire stands above water now, each pulling its own way: the upper Wind has become Fire, and the result is 64 Transition. The fifth line leads this change. In deep division and widespread selfishness, it asks you to make unity the aim, giving more than you'd like, as someone at the center who opens their own house to all. The fourth line supports it: step out of personal loyalties and narrow factions, and focus on what you want to achieve. Together they describe a leader loosening old ties in order to build something wider. The resulting hexagram says things are lining up but haven't fully fallen into place. Stay alert. Mistakes born of hurry or inexperience can pull you off course, even after you seem to have arrived. Keep sorting things patiently, one by one, and don't stop halfway out of hesitation.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. Line 4 of 59 Release from Obstacles

    Free yourself from personal loyalties and focus on what you want to achieve; this will lead you to success.

    Scatters its band: great good fortune. The scattering forms a hill: not what ordinary people imagine.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Water stays
Above Wind Fire

The way back

64 Transition → 59 Release from Obstacles
lines 4 and 5

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