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Hexagram:
Also known as:
28. Critical Mass
Reaching the Tipping Point, Overcoming the Load, Crossing the Threshold, Breaking Free, Turning Point, Surpassing Limits, Moment of Crisis, Pressure for Change, Time of Transformation, Confronting Overload
Line
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Meaning
Yin
Feminine
Yang
Masculine
Yang
Masculine
Yang
Masculine
Yang
Masculine
Trigram
3
Lower
2
1
6
Upper
5
4
Wind
Eldest Daugther
Immature Yin
Morality
Lake
Youngest Daughter
Immature Yin
Technique
Yin
Feminine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
28. Critical Mass
大過
dà guò
Adjust
01. The Creative
乾
yí
Initiate
27. Nourishing Vision
頤
qián
Nurture
Expression:
I unite forces
Affirmation:
I embrace change with courage and resilience, transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth and renewal.
Image (Legge):
The lake rises above the trees: the image of Preponderance of the Great. Thus the superior man, when he stands alone, is unconcerned, and if he has to renounce the world, he is undaunted.
Judgement (Legge):
Preponderance of the Great. The ridgepole sags to the breaking point. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. Success.
Overall meaning:
Signifies a time when things have reached a tipping point, and the pressure of accumulated forces demands decisive action or change. It represents a situation where the weight of challenges, responsibilities, or tensions has become too great to bear without transformation. This hexagram suggests that the existing structures or patterns can no longer support the load, and continuing as before is not sustainable. It is a call to recognize the urgency of the moment, to act with courage, and to create a new path forward that can better withstand the demands being placed upon it.
Embrace the need for change when circumstances become overwhelming, rather than resisting or ignoring the signs of strain. It advises finding creative and bold solutions, allowing for flexibility and innovation to replace what is no longer viable. By acknowledging the critical nature of the situation and responding with insight and strength, you can prevent collapse and instead turn a potential crisis into an opportunity for renewal and growth. This is a time to be proactive, to break free from limitations, and to build a more resilient and balanced foundation for the future.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
011110
Line 1:
Embarking / Initiating
The first line shows a person bearing a heavy load on fragile supports, which can easily break under pressure. This is a warning to recognize one’s limitations and not take on more than can be handled.
Line 2:
Discovery / Inner Harmony
In this line, the load continues to increase, placing strain on the structure. Moving forward requires caution and balance, or the weight may lead to collapse.
Line 3:
Gateway /
Portal
The third line depicts someone standing firm under great pressure, but in a position that may lead to breaking. If they do not adjust or lighten their load, they risk being overwhelmed and suffering harm.
Line 4:
Showing up / Approach
Here, the person’s position is slightly higher, showing a temporary respite from the weight. This line suggests a moment to regroup and regain stability, using caution to prevent further strain.
Line 5:
External Focus /
Periphery
The fifth line shows the image of a firm beam, strong enough to support the load. By taking a position of strength and stability, one can handle the challenges and avoid disaster.
Line 6:
Pinnacle / Breakthrough Awaits
The sixth line reveals a person bearing an immense weight beyond what can be endured, leading to breaking under pressure. This final warning teaches that when the load exceeds one’s capacity, letting go is necessary to avoid lasting damage.
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