Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4

Thrift becomes Excesses

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thrift turns into its opposite. The first, third and fourth lines move, the lake rises over the trees, and the result is 28 Excesses. Weigh both judgments evenly. One says this is a season for saving energy, time and resources so you're equipped for what lies ahead, with the reminder that a bitter, joyless restraint can't be sustained. The other says the situation needs extraordinary measures to keep what you've built from collapsing: check the foundations, act in innovative ways, step out of your comfort zone. That's a sharp contrast. It suggests your reserves exist precisely for a moment like this. Measure doesn't mean never spending; it means spending where it counts. Look at what's under strain, reinforce it with what you've saved, and don't hold back out of habit when bold action is what the structure needs.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 60 Thrift

    It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.

    Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.

  2. The judgment of 28 Excesses

    You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.

    The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.

  3. Line 1 of 60 Thrift

    Watch for the signs that tell you when it's time to stop.

    Does not leave the courtyard inside the door. No fault.

  4. Line 3 of 60 Thrift

    When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.

    One without measure will sigh afterward. No fault.

  5. Line 4 of 60 Thrift

    For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.

    Calm measure. Success.

The trigrams

Below Lake Wind
Above Water Lake

The way back

28 Excesses → 60 Thrift
lines 1, 3, and 4

Other transformations of Thrift

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins