What this change means
Wading too far, until the water closes over the head: the top line of Excesses is the person who goes ahead despite every warning. It brings misfortune, and yet no fault. When you take on extraordinary undertakings in spite of the drawbacks, you're exposed to danger and loss, but you keep the satisfaction of knowing you did everything you could. As it moves, the Lake becomes Heaven, and the resulting hexagram is 44 Lack of Firmness. It warns of people or situations you think you can control, maybe a habit, that end up controlling you unless you set firm limits. Read together, the risk is overconfidence. Before you wade in, ask whether you're choosing this freely or being pulled. If it's a true commitment, go with open eyes. If it's a pull you can't resist, set a limit now.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 28 Excessesline 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.