What this change means
Only the third line stays still while the other five move, and both trigrams become Mountain, one resting on another. The reading rests on that third line of the resulting hexagram, 52 Abiding: real stillness can't be imposed; it grows out of a quiet heart and slow, easy breath. From Overflowing, a time of pressure close to spilling, this is a striking turn. The tension doesn't call for more action but for real quiet. You can't decide your way into calm or grit your teeth until it arrives. Slow down, breathe, and let the agitation settle on its own. Stay centered and don't go beyond what's actually happening. Once you're steady inside, you'll recognize when outer conditions show it's time to move.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 52 Abiding, which stays still
The stillness you need now can't be forced. It has to come from a calm heart and unhurried breathing.
Still the waist; the flesh along the spine is torn. Danger: the heart is smothered.
- 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 4 of 43 Overflowing
You want to push ahead at all costs at a time when it isn't wise, and you refuse to listen to advice. That will lead you into trouble.
Buttocks without skin; the walk falters. Leading the ram by a rope: regret vanishes. Hears words and does not believe them.
- Line 5 of 43 Overflowing
If you keep your integrity and don't stray from your path, whoever you have to deal with, you'll resolve the difficulties that come up.
Purslane, pulled up with resolve. Walking the middle way: 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 52 Abiding
It's a time of stillness, of staying centered and steady: that's the best way forward in your present situation. Sometimes you need to stop, calm and confident, and wait for outer conditions to show you it's time to act. Don't go beyond what's happening now. There's no action, only a harmonious stillness, and staying that way brings success.
Still at the back; the body is not reached. Walking in the courtyard; its people are not seen. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
52 Abiding → 43 Overflowinglines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Overflowing
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.