Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Excesses becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Four lines move, and clouds gather over thunder: the overloaded house turns into a hard beginning. In the resulting hexagram, 3 Initial Obstacles, the fifth and top lines stay still, and they set the tone. The fifth asks for caution, one step at a time, without hurry. The top line says that whatever obstacles appear, don't give up or lose heart. That's a fitting answer to Excesses. The strain hasn't vanished; it has turned into the difficulty of starting something new. The resulting hexagram adds that this isn't the time to act directly: find allies who can act for you and stay alert for the moment to take the initiative back. So move slowly, delegate where you can, and keep your courage. Early trouble isn't a verdict on the whole undertaking.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
Holding back its richness. In small things, constancy brings good fortune; in great things, even with constancy, misfortune.
- Line 6 of 3 Initial Obstacles, which stays still
Despite the obstacles, don't give up or lose heart.
The horses of the team pull apart. Weeping blood, in endless streams.
- The judgment of 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
- Line 1 of 28 Excesses
To carry out an extraordinary project now, start cautiously, checking each step to build good foundations.
Spreading white rushes underneath. No fault.
- Line 2 of 28 Excesses
It's an exceptional time, so the measures must be exceptional too. Your actions should rest on unusual acts that seem small but bring extraordinary results.
The withered poplar puts out shoots. An old man takes a young wife. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 3 of 28 Excesses
Acting hastily and not listening to advice will lead you to loss, because in the end no one will want to help you.
The ridgepole sags. Misfortune.
- Line 4 of 28 Excesses
You can receive help from those under you now, but if you take advantage of it and there's no balance between giving and receiving, they'll withdraw their support and there will be loss.
The ridgepole rises. Good fortune. If there is something else, distress.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 28 Excesseslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Excesses
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 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.