Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 4
Overflowing becomes Initial Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder stirs below and Water gathers above as the second, third and fourth lines move, so the two judgments carry equal weight. Overflowing speaks of a buildup that threatens to spill over, calling for careful words and generosity to lower the tension. The resulting hexagram, 3 Initial Obstacles, describes a hard beginning: this isn't the moment to act directly, so look for allies who can act on your behalf, and stay alert for when it's time to take the initiative back. Between the two, the advice is to work through others rather than charging in yourself. Bring what's happening into the open in a way that doesn't provoke, and let trusted people represent you where your presence would only raise the heat. Keep watching, though. Once things settle enough, you'll need to step forward again and set them in order.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
3 Initial Obstacles → 43 Overflowinglines 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Overflowing
- 45Meetinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, and 4
- 29Waterlines 1, 3, and 4
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 2, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 3, and 5
- 51Shocklines 2, 3, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 1, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 2, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 3, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 4, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 2, 4, and 6
- 61Inner Integritylines 3, 4, and 6
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 5, and 6
- 30The Flamelines 2, 5, and 6
- 38Oppositeslines 3, 5, and 6
- 26Great Achievementslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.