Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Overwhelmed becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, and the hexagram turns into water standing over fire, a picture of something just completed. When this many lines change, the guidance comes from the two lines of the resulting hexagram that stay still, the fifth and the sixth. The fifth says that actions coming genuinely from the heart can bring large results, even when they're small. The sixth adds that this is a period of advance, and that retreating or stopping now will cause trouble. So the long pressure of 47 Overwhelmed opens onto 63 After the End, a passing success where things seem to favor you, with a time of stagnation waiting at the far end. The lesson is to move forward sincerely and keep going, without grand gestures, while preparing ahead for the slowdown. Thinking of trouble before it arrives, as the image advises, tends to soften it when it comes.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 5 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    If your actions come from the heart and are genuine, a small action can bring great results.

    The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; it is not worth the simple offering of the western neighbor, who truly receives the blessing.

  2. Line 6 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    This is a period of advance: retreating or stopping will bring you trouble.

    Wets its head. Danger.

  3. 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.

  4. Line 1 of 47 Overwhelmed

    In these hard times, above all, keep your inner strength: it will be your support.

    Buttocks caught on a tree stump. Goes into a dark valley; for three years, not seen.

  5. Line 2 of 47 Overwhelmed

    The troubles right now are on the inside; on the outside, everything is fine. You need to recognize where the problem lies to solve it, and it's wise to seek help.

    Hard pressed with wine and food. The red sash arrives. It is favorable to make sacrifices. Setting out brings misfortune. No fault.

  6. Line 3 of 47 Overwhelmed

    Facing obstacles with weakness and complaints won't move you forward; on the contrary, it will sink you deeper.

    Hard pressed by stone, leaning on thorns. Enters the house and does not see the wife. Misfortune.

  7. Line 4 of 47 Overwhelmed

    Helping others in times of hardship matters, but that help has to be quick to do its job.

    Comes slowly, slowly, hard pressed in a metal carriage. Distress, but there is an end.

  8. The judgment of 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Lake Water

The way back

63 After the End → 47 Overwhelmed
lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Overwhelmed

Make your own cast

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

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