What this change means
Wind over thunder: five lines move, leaving only the fifth unchanged, and the overloaded structure opens into growth. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 42 Increase, says that kindness and generosity of heart tend to draw help and blessings from heaven. The resulting hexagram describes a time of gain in which projects prosper, provided you keep your integrity, follow the example of people with qualities you admire, and let go of habits that caused trouble before. Against Excesses, this is a remarkable shift. The strain becomes expansion, and the key isn't more force but more generosity. Give help freely, act kindly, and correct your own faults. Growth tends to follow people who share what they have, and the support that comes back can carry far more than you could alone.
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 42 Increase, which stays still
A generous, kind heart is sure to receive help and blessings from heaven.
There is sincere trust and a kind heart: do not ask. Great good fortune. There is sincere trust: my virtue is met with kindness.
- 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 6 of 28 Excesses
When, despite the drawbacks, you decide to take on extraordinary undertakings, you'll be exposed to danger and loss, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything in your power.
Wading too far, the water closes over the crown of the head. Misfortune. No fault.
- The judgment of 42 Increase
You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.
It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
42 Increase → 28 Excesseslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Excesses
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.