Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Excesses becomes Good Manners
What this change means
Fire beneath the mountain: five lines move, only the third stays still, and the strained house is dressed in grace. That unmoving third line of the resulting hexagram, 22 Good Manners, warns that when well-being surrounds you, you shouldn't relax too much and lose yourself in it. The resulting hexagram favors kindness, courtesy and good manners, and says this is a time for everyday matters rather than great undertakings. After Excesses, that's a softer landing than expected. The pressure eases, and life becomes pleasant again. The risk is complacency, letting go of the care that got you through. Enjoy the ease and treat people well, but keep handling the daily things properly. Small, graceful attention is enough now; just don't let comfort make you careless.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still
When well-being surrounds you, don't relax too much and lose yourself in it.
Adorned, as if soaked through. Lasting constancy brings good fortune.
- 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 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.
- 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 22 Good Manners
It's a time to be kind and courteous and to use good manners with others if you want good results in what you undertake. What might seem superficial at another time leads you to success now. It's a time to handle everyday matters, not great undertakings.
Success. In small things, it is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
22 Good Manners → 28 Excesseslines 1, 2, 4, 5, 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.