What this change means
Fire and Thunder both dissolve, and Earth below with Water above remains, as four lines move. Of the resulting hexagram, 8 Union, only the second and sixth lines are untouched, and the reading listens to them. The second says that when you speak sincerely about what you need, the right help comes. The sixth warns that if you're slow to seek alliances, you may realize you need help only when it's too late. After the fullness of Abundance, this is a time to join with people aligned with your project. Ask honestly and early. Don't wait for trouble to show you who your allies should be. It also matters that you bring the qualities your project needs, so look at your own part as well as theirs. Sincere asking, timely joining and your own readiness make the union work.
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 8 Union, which stays still
When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.
Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 6 of 8 Union, which stays still
If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.
Joining with no head. Misfortune.
- 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 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 4 of 55 Abundance
The shadows and obstacles that came up for a while are beginning to fade. If you act wisely and decisively, everything will go well.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Meets the lord who is its like. Good fortune.
- 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 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
8 Union → 55 Abundancelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Abundance
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 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.