What this change means
Only the first line stays still as five lines move, and the strained house becomes a mountain resting heavily on the earth. That still line of the resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, says those who oppose you have the upper hand and will even slander you to harm your name; what's left to you is guarding your inner strength until the times improve. The resulting hexagram describes a time when lesser people misusing power rise and your words aren't believed, and it advises generosity toward those beneath you while circumstances change. After Excesses, this is the hardest version. The structure may not be saved by effort now. Protect your inner core, don't waste strength defending your reputation, and be kind to those who depend on you. Hard seasons do turn.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
Your enemies have the power now and use any means to damage your image, even slander. All you can do is keep your inner strength and wait for better times.
The bed is stripped at the legs. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
- 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 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 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 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 28 Excesseslines 2, 3, 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.