Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Great Achievements becomes Overwhelmed
What this change means
A lake with no water: five lines move, all except the second, and Great Achievements becomes 47 Overwhelmed. That still line guides the reading: the troubles now are on the inside, while outside everything is fine; recognize where the problem lies in order to solve it, and seek help. The resulting hexagram describes a hard-pressed time, with obstacles around you and words that aren't believed, where your only resource is the inner light. Seen through Great Achievements, the pressure points inward. You may have plenty of outer strength, but something inside is stuck: a doubt, a fear, a conflict you haven't named. Look at it honestly. Ask someone you trust for help. Draw on your deeper resources, and give your will to what truly matters.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
The troubles right now are on the inside; on the outside, everything is fine. You need to recognize where the problem lies to solve it, and it's wise to seek help.
Hard pressed with wine and food. The red sash arrives. It is favorable to make sacrifices. Setting out brings misfortune. No fault.
- The judgment of 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 1 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait before acting for now; acting hastily won't turn out well.
There is danger. It is favorable to stop.
- Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.
Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements
If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.
The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.
- Line 5 of 26 Great Achievements
Facing the situations and people trying to stop you, not head-on but cleverly, ensures your success.
The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 26 Great Achievements
Everything is in your favor right now; success is assured. You'll receive help from Heaven.
How wide the roads of heaven. Success.
- 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 → 26 Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Great Achievements
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.