What this change means
Fire above the lake as four lines move: the strained structure now sits among people who pull in different directions. In 38 Opposites, the resulting hexagram, the second and fourth lines don't move, and they guide the reading. The second says you can reach agreements with like-minded people you're out of touch with, using skillful means to bring the meetings about. The fourth says that keeping to yourself in this time of opposition helps you find those who are truly like you, and that leads to success. For Excesses, this is where reinforcement comes from. The many who disagree won't hold up the beam, but a few kindred people might. Be selective, be inventive about reaching them, and don't waste strength trying to win over everyone.
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 38 Opposites, which stays still
You can reach agreements with people like you whom you're not in touch with, using skillful means to bring those meetings about.
Meets their lord in a back lane. No fault.
- Line 4 of 38 Opposites, which stays still
Keeping to yourself in this time of opposition will help you find people who are truly like you and achieve success.
Alone in opposition, meets a worthy man; they trust each other. Danger. 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 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 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
38 Opposites → 28 Excesseslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Excesses
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 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
- 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.