What this change means
A lake rising over the trees, a weight the beam can barely hold: four lines move, the third through the top, and the still first and second lines of 28 Excesses carry the reading. The first says that to carry out an extraordinary project now, you should start cautiously, checking each step to build good foundations. The second says that an exceptional time calls for exceptional measures, resting on unusual acts that seem small but can bring extraordinary results.
For someone who started in 4 Immaturity, this is a bold turn, but the method is still a learner's. Begin carefully, test as you go, and don't overlook the small, unconventional moves that make a difference. Watch for starting big without foundations. A careful first step, and then another, can carry a project well beyond what seemed possible.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
To carry out an extraordinary project now, start cautiously, checking each step to build good foundations.
Spreading white rushes underneath. No fault.
- Line 2 of 28 Excesses, which stays still
It's an exceptional time, so the measures must be exceptional too. Your actions should rest on unusual acts that seem small but bring extraordinary results.
The withered poplar puts out shoots. An old man takes a young wife. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 4 Immaturity
Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.
Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 3 of 4 Immaturity
To get what you want, don't submit to strong personalities who belittle you.
Do not take this woman: at the sight of a man of gold, she is no longer her own. Nothing is favorable.
- Line 4 of 4 Immaturity
Dreaming without acting leads you to failure.
Ignorance hemmed in. Distress.
- Line 5 of 4 Immaturity
If you recognize your lack of knowledge in the area of your question and seek advice, you'll get good results.
A child's ignorance. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 4 Immaturity
Accepting the consequences of your actions and correcting what's needed will help you right now.
Striking the ignorant. Being a raider is not favorable; stopping the raider is favorable.
- The judgment of 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
28 Excesses → 4 Immaturitylines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Immaturity
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.