What this change means
Four lines change, the three lower ones and the fifth, and the figure becomes a lake drained into Water. In 47 Overwhelmed, the hexagram this produces, the fourth and sixth lines stay put, and they carry the counsel. The fourth reminds you that helping others in hardship matters, but the help needs to come quickly to work. The sixth says the pressure is nearing its end, and the remaining obstacles can be overcome easily, especially if your inner strength is with you. From the fullness of Abundance, this is a harsh turn: things press in, and words may not be believed. Yet the still lines point to the way through. Act promptly where someone needs you, and hold on to the inner light that keeps you upright. The worst of the squeeze tends to be the part just before it lets go.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
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.
- Line 6 of 47 Overwhelmed, which stays still
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 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- Line 1 of 55 Abundance
It's a very favorable time, but it asks for determined, energetic action from you to make the results greater.
Meets the lord who is its match. Even for ten days, no fault. Going earns esteem.
- Line 2 of 55 Abundance
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, good fortune.
- Line 3 of 55 Abundance
If your spirits sink, any obstacle, however small, will stop you from reaching what you want.
Full is the curtain: at noon the faint small stars are seen. The right arm is broken. No fault.
- Line 5 of 55 Abundance
You're willing to listen to advice and act on it; this will make difficult situations give way naturally.
Brilliance comes; there is blessing and renown. 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 trigrams
The way back
47 Overwhelmed → 55 Abundancelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Abundance
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 8Unionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 60Thriftlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 42Increaselines 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.