Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

Overflowing becomes Fleeting Success

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Earth comes over the Lake as the third, fourth and fifth lines move, and the two judgments hold equal weight. Overflowing describes pressure close to spilling over, asking for openness without provocation and for generosity to ease the strain. The resulting hexagram, 19 Fleeting Success, speaks of a coming spell of luck and well-being that is limited in time; after it, conditions change. Reading the signs and taking precautions before the decline won't prevent it, but it can soften its effects. Together they suggest that once the tension is released, a good stretch can follow. Make the most of it while it lasts, but don't treat it as permanent. Use the favorable time to settle what was pending, share generously, and put something aside for when the season turns.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 19 Fleeting Success

    A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Lake
Above Lake Earth

The way back

19 Fleeting Success → 43 Overflowing
lines 3, 4, and 5

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