Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Nourishment becomes Overflowing
What this change means
Only the first line stays still as five lines move, and the lake rises all the way to heaven: what the jaws held has built up past the brim. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 43 Overflowing, leads the reading: act slowly but firmly, because hurrying will make circumstances stop you. The resulting hexagram warns of excessive buildup, situations close to getting out of control, and asks you to bring things into the open with careful words and generous acts that ease the tension. Nourishment's image of careful speech fits exactly. Whatever has accumulated, whether resentment, overwork or excess, needs release, but gently and in order. Don't blurt it out or force it. Name what's happening tactfully, give where you can, and move with steady firmness rather than haste.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 27 Nourishment
Right now you need to take care of your physical and spiritual nourishment, so you have the resources you need in each area, and at the same time help others grow through what you do. Success lies in giving and receiving: take in what is good for you and share it with those around you.
Constancy brings good fortune. Watching the jaws; seeking for oneself what fills the mouth.
- Line 2 of 27 Nourishment
Expecting others to sort out your affairs and acting selfishly isn't favorable.
Jaws turned upside down: against the norm. Seeking sustenance from the hill. Setting out brings misfortune.
- Line 3 of 27 Nourishment
Watch the balance between your worldly food and your higher food closely: tending only to the first, and overindulging, brings misfortune.
Going against sustenance. Even with constancy, misfortune. For ten years, do not act. Nothing is favorable.
- Line 4 of 27 Nourishment
Getting the right nourishment for yourself and seeing how you can help others nourish themselves well brings you success and help.
Jaws upside down: good fortune. The tiger stares, intent and watchful; its desire chases on and on. No fault.
- Line 5 of 27 Nourishment
Being aware of your limits in helping others and asking advice on how to do it will bring you moderate achievements, not extraordinary ones, but it's something.
Against the norm. Abiding in constancy brings good fortune. The great river cannot be crossed.
- Line 6 of 27 Nourishment
You gain the resources to take care of your own affairs, and you help others get theirs. This brings a great responsibility, but also great success.
From here comes sustenance. Danger; good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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
The way back
43 Overflowing → 27 Nourishmentlines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Nourishment
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.