Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Excesses becomes Fleeting Success
What this change means
Earth settles over the lake as four lines move, and a good spell draws near after the strain. In 19 Fleeting Success, the resulting hexagram, the second and top lines don't move, and they speak for this change. The second says that seeing every situation as impermanent lets you move through each phase without fear, trusting that you have what you need. The top line says generosity in times of power and plenty, helping others improve, keeps success going. The resulting hexagram describes a lucky, favorable period that's limited in time, after which conditions change; reading the signs and taking precautions can soften what follows. Seen from Excesses, that's the right use of relief. Don't pile everything back onto the beam. Share what comes, help others grow, and stay unafraid when the season turns.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 19 Fleeting Success, which stays still
Recognizing that every situation is impermanent will let you move through each phase not from fear, but trusting that you have what you need to get through it.
Drawing near together. Good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 19 Fleeting Success, which stays still
Being generous in times of power and plenty, helping others improve, will keep your success going.
Drawing near with generosity. Good fortune, no fault.
- 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 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 19 Fleeting Success
A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
19 Fleeting Success → 28 Excesseslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Excesses
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 51Shocklines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, 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.