Hexagram 28

Preponderance of the Great (Dà Guò)

Above: Lake · Below: Wind

The load is too heavy, and the beam has bent

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Preponderance of the Great (Dà Guò)
Hexagram 28 · Preponderance of the Great (Dà Guò)

The judgment

The ridgepole is bending under the weight. Act quickly to find a way, and things can still get through.

The Image: The lake rises over the trees: great excess. So the noble person stands alone without fear, and withdraws from the world without regret.

From the ancient texts

Shao Yong

Much yang and little yin; things are about to topple. Both root and tip are weak — act within your strength.

Jiao’s Forest of Changes

The classics and law books are stored in the Orchid Pavilion; though chaos and collapse come, they alone escape disaster.

The palace books were kept in the Orchid Pavilion; when the whole land fell into chaos, not one was lost.

Takashima

  • On trade: the lake covering the trees signals that low prices may suddenly soar.
  • On career and recognition: it is time to step back and live quietly; this is not the time to seek a name.

Five common questions

Timing

Step back and keep a low profile

Health

Pent-up liver qi; work less, worry less

Money

Low prices may suddenly rise; beware the fall

Home

Check the beams; guard against leaks

Love

An age gap; be understanding

The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.

The six lines
  1. Six at the beginning: Spreading white rushes underneath. No blame.
  2. Nine in the second place: A withered willow puts out new shoots; an old man takes a young wife. Nothing that is not favorable.
  3. Nine in the third place: The ridgepole sags. Misfortune.
  4. Nine in the fourth place: The ridgepole is braced. Good fortune. If there are other motives, humiliation.
  5. Nine in the fifth place: A withered willow puts out flowers; an old woman takes a young husband. No blame, no praise.
  6. Six at the top: Wading too deep, the water goes over one's head. Misfortune, but no blame.

Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.