Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5

Coming Back becomes Overflowing

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The lake rises up to heaven as four lines move, and Coming Back becomes 43 Overflowing. Its unmoving first and top lines are the ones to read. The first says to act slowly but firmly, because haste will make circumstances stop you. The top line warns that in a moment of success you can't relax, since some people are undermining what you've achieved and could lead you to loss. That's a sharp double warning for a return. Things may be going well, and pressure is building underneath. Don't rush to make up for lost time. Move deliberately, and keep an eye on who might be working against you, even now. Bring problems into the open with care rather than letting them overflow.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 1 of 43 Overflowing, which stays still

    It's time to act slowly but firmly; acting in a hurry will make circumstances stop you.

    Strength in the front toes. Going without prevailing is a fault.

  2. Line 6 of 43 Overflowing, which stays still

    In a moment of success and achievement you can't relax, because there are people undermining what you've achieved, and they'll lead you to loss.

    No cry. In the end, misfortune.

  3. 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.

  4. Line 2 of 24 Coming Back

    Surrounding yourself with the right people right now will bring success.

    A restful return. Good fortune.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 43 Overflowing

    It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.

    It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Heaven
Above Earth Lake

The way back

43 Overflowing → 24 Coming Back
lines 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.

Toss the coins