What this change means
Earth takes the place of Heaven at the base, while Heaven now crowns the figure, as the first, second, third and top lines move. Four lines change, so the counsel comes from the fourth and fifth lines of 12 Decline, the resulting hexagram, which stay as they are. The fourth says that acting genuinely and with inner integrity brings you through any situation well. Its fifth says the stagnation is ending, but caution is still needed until things are fully stable. After the strain of Overflowing, this suggests the worst of the blockage may be passing. Don't celebrate too early. Keep away from people whose offers come with strings, keep a low profile, and stay honest in what you do. Integrity is the thread that carries you to steadier ground.
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 12 Decline, which stays still
If you act genuinely and with inner integrity, you'll come out of any situation well and be rewarded.
There is a mandate. No fault. Companions share in the blessing.
- Line 5 of 12 Decline, which stays still
The stagnation is ending, but you still need to act with caution until the situation is fully stable.
Stagnation comes to rest. For the great person, good fortune. “It may be lost, it may be lost”: tied to the leafy mulberry.
- The judgment of 43 Overflowing
It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.
It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 1 of 43 Overflowing
It's time to act slowly but firmly; acting in a hurry will make circumstances stop you.
Strength in the front toes. Going without prevailing is a fault.
- Line 2 of 43 Overflowing
Act decisively, but pay attention to the signs so you can take precautions when needed.
A cry of alarm. At nightfall there are weapons: do not worry.
- Line 3 of 43 Overflowing
This is a time when circumstances lead you to ally with people who aren't fully trustworthy. If you act clearly and don't lose your integrity despite the gossip, you'll succeed.
Strength in the cheekbones: there is misfortune. The noble person, resolute, resolute, walks alone and is caught in the rain; soaked, there is resentment. No fault.
- Line 6 of 43 Overflowing
In a moment of success and achievement you can't relax, because there are people undermining what you've achieved, and they'll lead you to loss.
No cry. In the end, misfortune.
- The judgment of 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 43 Overflowinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Overflowing
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.