What this change means
Thunder and lightning take the place of the dry lake when four lines change. Guidance here comes from the result's third and fourth lines, which remain unmoved. The third says old grudges come to light and you'll respond, and people may criticize you because they don't know why you reacted. The fourth says you're facing great difficulties that feel overwhelming, and asks you to stay firm and resolute, overcoming the obstacles one at a time. So 47 Overwhelmed gives way to 21 Biting, a time for firm, decisive action to cut through what blocks you, setting limits and, if necessary, taking formal steps. The waiting is over. Act with energy, but expect that not everyone will understand. Explain where you can, and don't let criticism shake your resolve. Bite through one problem, then the next.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 21 Biting, which stays still
Old grudges come to light. You'll respond, and people may criticize you for it, since they don't know why you reacted.
Biting old dried meat, meeting poison. A little distress; no fault.
- Line 4 of 21 Biting, which stays still
You're in a time of great difficulties that feel overwhelming, but stay firm and resolute in the face of adversity, overcoming the obstacles one by one.
Biting dried meat on the bone, finding a metal arrowhead. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 5 of 47 Overwhelmed
Little by little things will improve, thanks to your habit of helping others. Spiritual resources will be a great help now.
Nose cut off, feet cut off. Hard pressed by the red sash. Little by little relief comes. It is favorable to make sacrifices.
- Line 6 of 47 Overwhelmed
The pressure is nearing its end, and the obstacles will be easy to overcome. If your inner strength is with you as well, success will come much more easily.
Hard pressed among creeping vines, on what totters. It is said: moving brings regret. If there is regret, setting out brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 47 Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Overwhelmed
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.