Hexagram 43 changing to 58: Breakthrough to The Joyous

Where it starts: 43 Breakthrough

Five strong lines against one weak one at the top: the decisive, open resolution of a last remaining wrong. Heaven below, lake above: a lake risen to the sky, about to burst. Breakthrough describes the moment when what has been building must break: a resolute declaration against a last inferior element, made openly and in the right way. The tradition's judgement is detailed. The matter must be declared publicly and truthfully; there is danger; one must notify one's own city and not resort to arms; it furthers to have somewhere to go. The image warns against hoarding the gains. The reading says the time for resolution has come, that it should be done in the open, by declaration rather than force, and that the last remnant of the old must not be underestimated.

Where it goes: 58 The Joyous

Two lakes joined: joy that is firm within and gentle without, and shared with friends in open conversation. Lake below, lake above: two lakes touching, each replenishing the other. The Joyous is the hexagram of gladness, and its structure explains the tradition's view of it: a firm line within, a yielding line without. True joy is firm inside and gentle outside, not the reverse. The judgement is success, persistence furthers. The image is of friends discussing and practising together, joy that grows by being shared and by being about something. The reading says the situation is one of gladness, or should be, and the lines distinguish the joy that comes from within and from good company from the joy that is sought outside and ends in dissipation.

The lines that move

1. Line 3

   Powerful in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior person is firmly resolved. He walks alone and is caught in the rain, spattered and murmured against. No blame.

   Someone whose resolve shows too plainly in the face, and who is nevertheless right to hold to it, even while misunderstood and alone. The determination is correct; the display of it is the danger. Keep your resolve, keep it off your face, and accept being misjudged for a while.

What is changing. The situation of Breakthrough is moving toward The Joyous. Resolve the matter openly and truthfully, by declaration not force, and share what it frees. As the change completes: Keep joy firm within and gentle without, and share it in honest company.

love and relationships

Now: Something must be said plainly and finally. Say it openly and without violence, and expect it to be dangerous. The reading favours the clear declaration over both silence and force, and warns against being too sure of the outcome. Then: Gladness in the relationship, and the reading's counsel on how to keep it: firm inside, gentle outside. Joy that depends on the other person's constant reassurance is the weak kind; joy that is grounded in yourself and shared openly is the lasting kind.

career

Now: A decisive break with a last remaining problem, a person or a practice. Declare it in the open, through proper means, and do not underestimate the resistance. Share the gains of the resolution rather than keeping them. Then: Good working relationships, open exchange, the pleasure of learning with others. The reading favours collaboration and honest discussion, and warns against the gladness that comes from flattery or from seeking approval.

money

Now: The moment to resolve a lingering financial wrong, decisively and transparently. Not the moment to hoard the results. Distribute what the breakthrough frees. Then: Enjoyment of what you have, shared. The reading is against spending on pleasure sought from outside, and for the contentment that comes from a firm inner position. Beware of the tempting proposal that brings a false gladness.

decisions

Now: Decide, and decide openly. The reading supports the resolute option provided it is declared rather than forced, and it says to keep a destination in view. Half-measures now leave the last remnant to grow back. Then: Choose the option that brings real, grounded gladness, and share the deciding with people you trust. The reading is against the choice made to please or to be pleased, and for the one made from inner firmness.