Transformation · lines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Excesses becomes Great Achievements
What this change means
Heaven gathers within the mountain as four lines move, and the overloaded house is asked to store its strength. The second and third lines of 26 Great Achievements, the resulting hexagram, remain still. The second says to wait until conditions are right, since outside circumstances are holding you back. The third sees the road gradually opening and calls for action, though some situations may force you to pause; use those pauses to keep preparing. This is a measured version of Excesses' boldness. You'll get to take the unusual step, but in rhythm with conditions. Push when the road opens, stop when it closes, and never stop getting ready. The resulting hexagram favors unusual actions beyond your comfort zone, and you have the qualities for them.
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 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
Wait until conditions are right to act, because outside circumstances are holding you back.
The axle strap slips from the cart.
- Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements, which stays still
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.
Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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 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 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
26 Great Achievements → 28 Excesseslines 1, 4, 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
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, 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.