Transformation · lines 2, 5, and 6

Advance becomes Overwhelmed

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The second, fifth and top lines move, and Water sinks beneath a Lake: a lake drained of water. Advance promises growth, help from important people, recognized talents. The resulting hexagram, 47 Overwhelmed, shows the opposite climate: the wrong people around you, words that aren't believed, obstacles hemming you in. Weighed together, they describe a moment where the promise of progress is real but blocked from outside. Don't spend yourself trying to force the doors that should be opening. Accept that this is hard, wait for better conditions, and rely on the inner light you carry; that's what holds you up. Keep the generosity the starting hexagram asks for, even in small ways. Watch for bitterness. A pressed time tends to pass more easily for those who keep their purpose and their dignity intact.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 35 Advance

    A time of growth and achievement is coming, and you should make the most of it. You'll receive help and favors from important people. If you need something, don't hesitate to ask: doors will open for you. Your talents are recognized, and just as you receive help, it's also a time to contribute to the growth and betterment of others.

    The lord of Kang is granted horses in great numbers; in a single day he is received three times.

  2. 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.

  3. Line 2 of 35 Advance

    Even if at first you don't get help from the person you asked, don't be sad. Stay open and keep at it, and that same person will give you the help you need and deserve.

    Advancing, and grieving. Constancy brings good fortune. This great blessing is received from their grandmother.

  4. Line 5 of 35 Advance

    To advance and, as you do, to contribute to others is a sign of greatness, and it will keep your progress going. There's no reason to regret what you've given along the way.

    Regret vanishes. Loss or gain: don't be troubled. Going brings good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.

  5. Line 6 of 35 Advance

    Make sure your advance doesn't run over other people. It's fine to clear the obstacles from your path, but without hurting anyone.

    Advancing with the horns. Fit only for punishing one's own city. Danger, good fortune, no fault. Constancy brings distress.

The trigrams

Below Earth Water
Above Fire Lake

The way back

47 Overwhelmed → 35 Advance
lines 2, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Advance

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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