What this change means
The second line asks you to look inward, because that's where the trouble sits. From outside, everything seems in order; there's even plenty of food and wine, and the red sash of recognition is on its way. Yet you feel hard pressed. This line says you need to name the real problem before you can solve it, and that asking for help is wise. The classical text adds a caution: making offerings is favorable, setting out is not. So this isn't a moment for bold moves but for honest diagnosis and devotion. As Water below turns into Earth, the lake now rests over the ground, and the resulting hexagram, 45 Meeting, shows what that opens: a very favorable gathering, with people ready to back you and everything in place for the next step. Ask, meet, prepare for the unexpected, and give some time to a spiritual practice. The help is there once you admit you need it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- The judgment of 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
45 Meeting → 47 Overwhelmedline 2
Other transformations of Overwhelmed
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.