Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Great Achievements becomes Overflowing

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The lake rises up to heaven: the whole upper trigram moves, lines four, five and six, and Great Achievements becomes 43 Overflowing. Both judgments share the weight with three lines changing. Great Achievements describes strength that has been stored and is ready for unusual action. The resulting hexagram describes a buildup about to overflow, situations close to getting out of control, and asks you to bring what's happening into the open with careful words, acting generously to ease the tension. The stored energy has reached its limit. Something has to be said or released, but how matters. Speak clearly without provoking. Share what you have with those below you, and don't rest on your past virtue. A careful release prevents a flood.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Heaven stays
Above Mountain Lake

The way back

43 Overflowing → 26 Great Achievements
lines 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.

Toss the coins