Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Coming Back becomes Overwhelmed
What this change means
A lake drained of water is where four moving lines lead: Coming Back becomes 47 Overwhelmed. Its still third and top lines guide the reading. The third warns that meeting obstacles with weakness and complaint won't move you forward and can drag you down further. The top line says the pressure is nearing its end, the obstacles will be easier to overcome, and inner strength makes it easier still. So the return passes through a tight spot, but not an endless one. Don't spend energy lamenting. Hold your ground, draw on the strength you carry inside, and keep moving. The worst of it may already be behind you. Complaint would only make the last stretch longer; steady resolve tends to make it shorter.
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 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
Facing obstacles with weakness and complaints won't move you forward; on the contrary, it will sink you deeper.
Hard pressed by stone, leaning on thorns. Enters the house and does not see the wife. Misfortune.
- Line 6 of 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
The pressure is nearing its end, and the obstacles will be easy to overcome. If your inner strength is with you as well, success will come much more easily.
Hard pressed among creeping vines, on what totters. It is said: moving brings regret. If there is regret, setting out brings good fortune.
- 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 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 47 Overwhelmed
Things are very much against you: the wrong people surround you, no one believes what you say, and obstacles hem you in. All you can do is accept it and wait for better conditions to come. Your only resource is the inner light that lives in you; turn to that strength to hold you up right now.
Success. For the great person, constancy brings good fortune. No fault. They speak and are not believed.
The trigrams
The way back
47 Overwhelmed → 24 Coming Backlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Coming Back
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.