Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
The Flame becomes Overwhelmed
What this change means
Only the fourth line stays still; the other five move, and the double fire becomes a lake with no water: from radiance to being hard pressed. The single still line, the fourth of 47 Overwhelmed, gives the counsel: helping others in hard times matters, but that help has to come quickly to do its job. The broader resulting hexagram describes conditions very much against you, people who don't believe what you say, and obstacles that hem you in. Your one resource is the inner light that lives in you. So even when you're pressed, your light can still serve others, but only if you don't delay. Act promptly where help is needed. Watch for the paralysis that hardship brings. Accept the limits of the moment, rely on your inner strength, and wait for better conditions without abandoning those who need you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
Helping others in times of hardship matters, but that help has to be quick to do its job.
Comes slowly, slowly, hard pressed in a metal carriage. Distress, but there is an end.
- The judgment of 30 The Flame
There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.
Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 30 The Flame
Right now it's important to stay calm and focused on your projects, without getting swept up in the noise around you.
Footsteps crossing every which way. With reverence, no fault.
- Line 2 of 30 The Flame
Perseverance and a connection with what is right, as you follow your inner guidance, will bring you achievement and brilliance.
Yellow radiance. Great good fortune.
- Line 3 of 30 The Flame
Don't get swept along by life's ups and downs. Standing firm, centered within yourself whatever the outside circumstances, ensures achievement.
The radiance of the setting sun. If no one beats the clay pot and sings, there comes the lament of great old age. Misfortune.
- Line 5 of 30 The Flame
After a rise, expect a decline. If you stand firm and understand that this is life's natural rhythm, you'll recover.
Tears pouring down in streams, sighs of sorrow. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 30 The Flame
If you recognize the mistakes in what you've done and make the corrections needed, you'll succeed.
The king sets out on campaign. There is merit: the chief's head is cut off, and the captives are not the chief's own people. No fault.
- The judgment of 47 Overwhelmed
Things are very much against you: the wrong people surround you, no one believes what you say, and obstacles hem you in. All you can do is accept it and wait for better conditions to come. Your only resource is the inner light that lives in you; turn to that strength to hold you up right now.
Success. For the great person, constancy brings good fortune. No fault. They speak and are not believed.
The trigrams
The way back
47 Overwhelmed → 30 The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of The Flame
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.