Great Exceeding

Upper trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing) · Lower trigram: Wind and wood (gentle, penetrating)

Judgment

The lake over the tree: the ridgepole bends under a weight greater than it can carry. This hexagram pictures an extraordinary pressure and a situation that exceeds measure. At such moments, moving in some direction to find a way out is suggested. The excess load is short-lived; it can be passed through with caution and a firm inner core.

Image

The lake rises above the trees. The noble-minded do not fear when standing alone, and do not despair even when withdrawn from the world.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Spreading white rushes underneath: an overly careful foundation. Too much caution is not an error here; on the contrary it protects.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)A withered willow sprouts: an old one takes a young partner. An unexpected renewal can let everything go smoothly.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)The ridgepole sags: an unfavourable sign. Persisting to load on without consulting anyone can make the structure unable to bear.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)The ridgepole is braced: good. Yet hidden aims from another direction can bring embarrassment; leaning on honest help is suggested.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)The withered willow blooms: an old woman takes a young partner. A passing brilliance; neither praise nor blame.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Wading through, the water closes over your head: an unfavourable sign, but no blame. A resolute sacrifice is not counted as error.