28.mycal8 -- Great Excess

 

Hexagram 28 — Great Excess (Great Exceeding)

By James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Great Excess — The Weight of the Moment

Hexagram twenty-eight is related to Great Excess, hence, Great Exceeding. Another variation would be the idea of the Preponderance of the Great and Great Surpassing. The time is correct; there is a sense of excess to the extent that there is a danger of overload upon a supporting structure or beam. The beam which supports the length of a roof is almost at its breaking point. If only there were vertical columns within the structure to reinforce the horizontal beam. Excesses need support as well.

The image here is not merely destruction, but pressure reaching a critical threshold. In many ways, Hexagram 28 describes moments in life where the old framework can no longer bear the weight placed upon it. Leadership, relationships, organizations, governments, economies, and even the human body all experience periods where the strain becomes visible.

1. Crossing the Great Water

Now is a good time to cross the great water. Success if you take action in any direction.

This is one of the great paradoxes of Hexagram 28: although the structure is strained, movement is favored. One must not remain trapped in fear or stagnation. When excess reaches its peak, decisive movement becomes necessary.

2. Great Excess and Direction

With this we see success with movement in any direction. This movement can be seen as a movement toward change and improvement, or toward stagnation and collapse. We wish to move from modesty and non-action. Take that first step in what you feel is a strategic direction.

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B. The Image

1. The Lake Rises Above the Trees

The image of the lake rising above the trees represents emotional, spiritual, or societal pressure surpassing normal boundaries. Water nourishes life, yet too much water uproots forests. Thus, excess itself is not inherently evil—it simply requires balance and structure.

a) Success Through Movement

Success with movement and in whatever you do expect improvement.

b) The Superior Man

Thus the superior man, when he stands alone, is unconcerned, and if he has to renounce the world, he is undaunted.

This passage reflects inner independence. The superior person does not panic when systems fail or when society enters periods of imbalance. Instead, he strengthens himself inwardly while others react emotionally outwardly.

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II. My Interpretation

A. The Pressure of the Modern World

I know I am speaking somewhat out of context when it comes to sports, especially football. But can you call the Super Bowl somewhat crazy? Mostly all things are related to numbers. Take Hexagram 49, for example—that hexagram is related to revolution. What team would you expect? Trust me, there was no mistake; numbers are numbers. Today I am looking at twenty-eight on My Calendar of Days.

The main idea is that there must be support in times of Great Excess. Also, we can see the old man taking on a young wife. With this we see a rotting willow producing shoots—general improvement or rejuvenation.

The old woman taking a young husband shows flowers sprouting from a rotting willow. What is the difference? It is all the same. Marriage, especially the uniting of the young bride, symbolizes renewal arising from decline.

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Leadership & Organizational Reflection

Hexagram 28 often appears during periods where:

• Organizations are overextended

• Leaders are under immense pressure

• Families carry financial or emotional overload

• Systems become unstable due to imbalance

Yet this is also the moment where innovation and restructuring emerge.

In business and leadership, Great Excess may indicate:

• Rapid expansion without adequate support systems

• Burnout among teams or management

• Excessive debt, workload, or emotional strain

• A need for structural reinforcement before collapse

The solution is not panic—it is reinforcement, adaptation, and strategic movement.

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Modern Reflection

Today’s world often resembles Hexagram 28:

• Information overload

• Economic pressures

• Social instability

• Environmental strain

• Technological acceleration

The supporting beam of society bends under the weight of excess consumption, excess stimulation, and excess distraction. The lesson of Hexagram 28 is clear:

Strengthen the foundation before the structure fails.

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Closing Reflection

Hexagram 28 reminds us that:

• Great pressure precedes transformation

• Excess requires support

• Renewal often emerges from decay

• Movement is necessary when stagnation becomes dangerous

The beam bends—but it has not yet broken.

And therefore, action remains possible.

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