Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Excesses becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder on the mountain: the two poplar lines move together, one putting out shoots, the other flowers. The fifth leads, and it's the weaker of the two. Focusing on those above you while forgetting those you lead brings only limited success, no fault and no praise. The second line points to the better kind of growth: in an exceptional time, small unusual acts can bring extraordinary results, and nothing is unfavorable. The resulting hexagram, 62 Success in Small Matters, confirms the scale. This isn't the time for great things; trying to go beyond your present means wastes effort. So the remedy is close to home and modest in size. Tend the people you lead, choose the small unusual step over the grand gesture, and let that be enough for now. Fresh shoots grow; showy blossoms fade.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 28 Excesseslines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Excesses
- 49Renewallines 1 and 2
- 58Inner Peacelines 1 and 3
- 45Meetinglines 2 and 3
- 5Inactionlines 1 and 4
- 39Held Backlines 2 and 4
- 29Waterlines 3 and 4
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1 and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3 and 5
- 46Going Uplines 4 and 5
- 1Activitylines 1 and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2 and 6
- 6Conflictlines 3 and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 4 and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.