Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Excesses becomes Coming Back
What this change means
Five lines move and only the top stays still: thunder returns within the earth, and the sagging house gets a chance to come back. That unmoving top line of the resulting hexagram, 24 Coming Back, carries the warning: if you let opportunities slip and don't act at the right moment, it may become impossible to set things right, and you'd have to wait, perhaps a long while, for new options. The resulting hexagram describes a return after adversity, with help arriving and projects favored, as long as you remember the mistakes that led you into the dark. Excesses adds urgency. The structure needs reinforcing, and the window to do it is open now. Don't hesitate. Act on the chance in front of you, avoid repeating old errors, and accept the help that comes.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 24 Coming Back, which stays still
If you let opportunities slip by and don't act at the right moment, it will no longer be possible to put things back in order, and you'll have to wait for new options to appear, which may take some time.
A lost return. Misfortune; there is calamity and ruin. If armies are set marching, in the end there will be a great defeat that reaches the ruler of the country. Misfortune. Not for ten years can a campaign be undertaken.
- 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.
- Line 5 of 28 Excesses
When you focus on strengthening ties with those above you but forget to pay attention to those you lead, your success will be limited.
The withered poplar puts out flowers. An old woman takes a young husband. No fault, no praise.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
24 Coming Back → 28 Excesseslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Excesses
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.