Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Transition becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Clouds and thunder fill the picture once five lines move and only the third stays: something is being born with difficulty. That still line of 3 Initial Obstacles guides the reading: right now obstacles aren't resolved by acting but by stepping back until conditions improve. The hexagram also counsels letting allies act for you while you stay alert for the moment to take back the initiative. For a crossing not yet complete, this is a firm brake. Pushing into the obstacles would only entangle you. Pull back, let trusted people represent you where needed, and watch for the change in conditions. Use the pause to clarify what you want and who can help. The beginning is hard, but it is a beginning; patience now protects it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 64 Transition
If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.
Wets its tail. Distress.
- Line 2 of 64 Transition
Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.
Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 64 Transition
The time for action has come. Define what you want and head straight for it: you'll make growing, lasting progress.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. With the force of thunder the land of Guifang is attacked; in three years comes a reward from the great kingdom.
- Line 5 of 64 Transition
You get what you want; you'll be able to enjoy it and contribute to the well-being of others.
Constancy brings good fortune. No regret. The light of the noble person: there is sincere trust. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 64 Transition
You'll have success and tangible results. You can relax, have fun and share what you've achieved with others, but don't overdo it: any excess will lead to loss.
There is sincere trust in drinking wine. No fault. If the head gets wet, trust loses its measure.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 64 Transitionlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Transition
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.