Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
After the End becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Five lines change and only the top stays as it was, so the figure becomes thunder over water, rain breaking loose. The single still line of 40 Clearing Obstacles guides the reading: build up your inner strength first, and then firm, decisive action can carry you through the obstacles to your goal. The hexagram says obstacles have been overcome one by one, and now balance matters: act quickly where you can without overrating your strength, and rest or step back if you need to. Coming from a success that tends to stall, this is a release. The stagnation can be broken, but the order matters. First steady yourself inside; then act clearly and decisively. Don't overreach in the relief of movement. Pause when you need to, then finish what you set out to do.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still
Once you've strengthened your inner self, you can get through the obstacles and achieve your purpose with firm, decisive action.
The duke shoots at a falcon on top of the high wall and hits it. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 63 After the End
You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.
Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.
- Line 1 of 63 After the End
If you try to move ahead too fast, you won't get results. But if you can stop and wait for better conditions, there will be achievements.
Drags back on its wheels; wets its tail. No fault.
- Line 2 of 63 After the End
Don't try to recover what you lose for now: it will come back to you naturally.
The wife loses the screen of her carriage. Do not chase it: in seven days it is found.
- Line 3 of 63 After the End
If you want to expand right now, you'll have to use extreme measures to clear the obstacles in the way.
The High Ancestor attacks the land of Guifang; in three years he conquers it. Do not employ the petty person.
- Line 4 of 63 After the End
If you get careless during times of expansion, old unresolved matters may come to light. Stay alert so you can put them right.
There are rags for the leaks in the boat; on guard all day long.
- Line 5 of 63 After the End
If your actions come from the heart and are genuine, a small action can bring great results.
The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; it is not worth the simple offering of the western neighbor, who truly receives the blessing.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 63 After the Endlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of After the End
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.