Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 5

Going Up becomes Overwhelmed

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A lake drained of water: the third, fourth and fifth lines move, and the bright climb meets a hard-pressed season. Both judgments count equally. Going Up speaks of a rise earned through effort and of help from someone important. The resulting hexagram, 47 Overwhelmed, says things are set against you: the wrong people around, your words not believed, obstacles hemming you in. All you can do is accept it, wait for better conditions, and draw on your inner light. That's a sharp contrast, and both are true. The progress you've made is real, even if the present moment hides it. Don't fight the pressure head-on or try to prove yourself to people who won't listen. Hold to what you know inside. Better conditions tend to return, and your earlier work will still count.

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 46 Going Up

    You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.

    Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.

  2. The judgment of 47 Overwhelmed

    Things are very much against you: the wrong people surround you, no one believes what you say, and obstacles hem you in. All you can do is accept it and wait for better conditions to come. Your only resource is the inner light that lives in you; turn to that strength to hold you up right now.

    Success. For the great person, constancy brings good fortune. No fault. They speak and are not believed.

  3. Line 3 of 46 Going Up

    It's important to make the most of this time of rising while it lasts and to work toward your goals.

    Ascends into an empty city.

  4. Line 4 of 46 Going Up

    This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.

    The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No fault.

  5. Line 5 of 46 Going Up

    Don't let success cloud your judgment. Go step by step, enjoying each moment, without rushing or being dazzled by power.

    Constancy brings good fortune. Ascends by the steps.

The trigrams

Below Wind Water
Above Earth Lake

The way back

47 Overwhelmed → 46 Going Up
lines 3, 4, and 5

Other transformations of Going Up

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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