Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Overflowing becomes Nourishment

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Five lines move, leaving the first still, and the figure becomes thunder beneath the mountain, the shape of an open mouth. The reading rests on that first line of the resulting hexagram, 27 Nourishment, which warns that ingratitude for what you have, and envy of what others have, will hold back what you could achieve. From Overflowing, where pressure has built and generosity eases it, this turns attention to your own appetite. Some of the tension may come from comparison. Look at what you already have and value it. Take care of your body and spirit, take in what does you good, and share it. Giving and receiving in balance nourishes you more than wanting what belongs to someone else.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 1 of 27 Nourishment, which stays still

    Being ungrateful for what you have and busying yourself envying what others have will hold back your achievements.

    You let go of your sacred tortoise and watch my jaw working. Misfortune.

  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 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.

  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 27 Nourishment

    Right now you need to take care of your physical and spiritual nourishment, so you have the resources you need in each area, and at the same time help others grow through what you do. Success lies in giving and receiving: take in what is good for you and share it with those around you.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Watching the jaws; seeking for oneself what fills the mouth.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Thunder
Above Lake Mountain

The way back

27 Nourishment → 43 Overflowing
lines 2, 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.

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