Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Overflowing becomes Immaturity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A spring breaks out at the mountain's foot as every line but the second moves, Water forming below and Mountain above. The reading rests on that second line of the resulting hexagram, 4 Immaturity, which says it's time to cultivate yourself inwardly so your worth can show on the outside. From Overflowing, a time of buildup and the urge to resolve it, this is a humbling turn. You may not yet have the maturity to handle the situation the way you'd like. That isn't a failure; it's an honest starting point. Ask for guidance, listen to advice and put it into practice. Work on yourself quietly, without hurry or display. The outer situation tends to follow once the inner work is done.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 2 of 4 Immaturity, which stays still

    It's time to cultivate yourself inwardly; then your worth will show on the outside.

    Embracing the ignorant: good fortune. Taking a wife: good fortune. The son can hold up the house.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 4 Immaturity

    Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.

    Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Water
Above Lake Mountain

The way back

4 Immaturity → 43 Overflowing
lines 1, 3, 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.

Toss the coins