Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Coming Back becomes Excesses
What this change means
Five lines move, leaving only the top one, and Coming Back becomes 28 Excesses, the lake rising over the trees. That still top line of the resulting hexagram is the guide. It says that when you choose to take on an extraordinary undertaking despite its drawbacks, you expose yourself to danger and loss, but you keep the satisfaction of having done everything in your power. That's an honest assessment, not an encouragement to recklessness. The return may lead you toward something larger than you planned, a project that calls for extraordinary measures. If you take it on, do so knowing the risk. Strengthen your foundations, accept that the outcome isn't guaranteed, and measure success partly by the integrity of your effort. Then stand by your choice without fear.
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 28 Excesses, which stays still
When, despite the drawbacks, you decide to take on extraordinary undertakings, you'll be exposed to danger and loss, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything in your power.
Wading too far, the water closes over the crown of the head. Misfortune. No fault.
- The judgment of 24 Coming Back
After a period of adversity and darkness, the return comes. Still, be aware of the mistakes that led you into the dark, because if you repeat them you could fall again. People will come to help you, and your undertakings and projects will be favored.
Success. Going out and coming in without harm; friends arrive, no fault. Back and forth along its way: in seven days comes the return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 1 of 24 Coming Back
Success lies in doing things at the perfect time: watch the signs and act on them.
Returning from not far, without coming to regret. Great good fortune.
- Line 2 of 24 Coming Back
Surrounding yourself with the right people right now will bring success.
A restful return. Good fortune.
- Line 3 of 24 Coming Back
If you act with insecurity, going forward and back and repeating past mistakes, you'll stray from the path and from right action.
Returning again and again. Danger; no fault.
- Line 4 of 24 Coming Back
If you notice who the people around you really are and step away from those you see aren't right, even if you're left without company for a while, you'll find guidance and help.
Walking in the middle of the others, returning alone.
- Line 5 of 24 Coming Back
Acting without delay, recognizing past mistakes and correcting them, will lead you to sure success.
A generous return. No regret.
- 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 → 24 Coming Backlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Coming Back
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.