What this change means
The top line moves, and with it the pressure reaches its last stage. The classical image is someone caught in creeping vines, standing on something that wobbles, telling themselves that any move will bring regret. Yet the line goes on: if you feel that regret and act anyway, setting out brings good fortune. In practical terms, the strain is nearing its end, obstacles are easier to overcome, and your inner strength makes success come more easily. Above, the Lake becomes Heaven, and the figure turns into heaven and water pulling in opposite directions. The resulting hexagram, 6 Conflict, warns of a dispute that can't be solved by force; cleverness and good advice help more. So step out of the tangle, but don't step into a fight. Think through how things begin, let events run their course where you can't win, and seek counsel from someone wise.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 47 Overwhelmedline 6
Other transformations of Overwhelmed
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.