Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Overflowing becomes The Traveler
What this change means
Fire on the mountain replaces lake over heaven as the first, second, fifth and top lines move. In the resulting hexagram, 56 The Traveler, the third and fourth lines keep still, and the reading listens to them. The third warns that losing your kindness and turning irritable or aggressive will bring trouble. Its fourth says that even when material gains and comfort are within reach, it's best not to live in constant distrust and worry. After so much tension in Overflowing, these are warnings about your own temper. Pressure can make anyone short with others. Stay gracious, especially in new or unsettled circumstances. Keep a light, flexible attitude, let go of what you're clinging to, and don't let anxiety spoil what's going well. Courtesy now protects you more than suspicion does.
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 56 The Traveler, which stays still
If you lose your kindness now and turn irritable and aggressive, you'll bring on trouble.
The traveler burns down the inn and loses the young servant. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 4 of 56 The Traveler, which stays still
Even though you can gain material rewards and comfort, avoid living in constant distrust and worry.
The traveler finds a place to stay and gets their goods and their axe. My heart is not glad.
- 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 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 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
56 The Traveler → 43 Overflowinglines 1, 2, 5, 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
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 3, 4, 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.