Hexagram 55, Line 3
Abundance (丰)
九三：豐其沛
The Line Text
九三：豐其沛，日中見沬。折其右肱，无咎。
The abundance is screened. At midday, one sees small stars. He breaks his right arm. No blame.
The Commentary says: "The abundance is screened": This means that great undertakings cannot be carried out. "He breaks his right arm": In the end, he is rendered useless for action.
Interpretation
This line describes a paradoxical and challenging situation at the very height of abundance. The image is of an eclipse: at midday (日中), the time of greatest light and power, the sun is suddenly obscured by a screen or canopy (豐其沛), and dim stars (沬) become visible. This represents a sudden, unexpected event that darkens a situation that was previously clear and successful. The "broken right arm" (折其右肱) is a powerful metaphor for being rendered powerless. The right arm symbolizes one's primary means of action, one's most trusted assistant, or one's main strength. Its "breaking" signifies a temporary but total inability to act effectively. Crucially, the line ends with "No blame" (无咎). This indicates that the setback is not the result of a personal mistake but of external circumstances beyond one's control. Attempting to force action in this state of eclipse and disability would be a grave error and would certainly attract blame. The wisdom of this line lies in recognizing when you are powerless and accepting a state of forced inaction without guilt or frustration.
Guidance for Action
You are currently at a peak, but a sudden and unforeseen obstacle has emerged, completely blocking your progress and obscuring your vision. It feels as if your primary tool or most capable ally has been taken from you, leaving you unable to act. Do not fight this. Your inability to move forward is not your fault. Trying to force a solution or push ahead with a "broken arm" will only lead to failure and further complications. The best and only course of action right now is to stop. Accept the temporary paralysis. Use this time for quiet observation and to allow the "eclipse" to pass. Great undertakings are impossible at this moment. By accepting your current limitations, you avoid making a critical error and remain free of blame. Patience is your greatest virtue now.
For Love & Relationships
Your relationship may be experiencing a period of great fullness and connection, yet a sudden, confusing issue has arisen. It might be an external pressure, a misunderstanding, or a revelation that casts a shadow over everything. Communication feels blocked, and your usual ways of resolving conflict or expressing affection are ineffective, as if your ability to "reach" your partner is broken. The guidance here is to not force a resolution. Pushing for "a big talk" or demanding clarity right now will likely backfire. This is a situation beyond your immediate control. Give the situation and each other space. Accept the temporary darkness without assigning blame. The eclipse will pass, and when the light returns, you will be able to act effectively again.
For Career & Business
You may be in the midst of a very successful project or a high point in your career, but an unexpected event has brought things to a grinding halt. Perhaps a key team member has left, a vital resource has become unavailable, or market conditions have suddenly turned against you. Your ability to execute your plans is crippled. It feels like your "right-hand person" is gone or your main strategy is now useless. Do not try to push forward with major initiatives. The commentary is clear: "great undertakings cannot be carried out." To do so would be reckless. Halt progress, inform stakeholders of the delay, and accept this period of forced inactivity. You will not be blamed for this external setback, but you will be blamed if you act rashly and cause a bigger disaster.
For Financial Matters
You may have been enjoying a period of financial abundance or seeing your investments at a peak. Suddenly, an unforeseen event—a market shock, a regulatory change, or a sudden downturn in a specific asset—has occurred. The situation is now obscure, and your trusted methods for making money or managing your portfolio are no longer working; you feel powerless. This is a time to be extremely cautious. The "broken arm" means your ability to make sound, effective financial moves is temporarily gone. Do not engage in major trades, investments, or financial restructuring. The risk of making a disastrous error in the dark is too high. The wisest move is to do nothing. Preserve your capital, wait for the situation to become clear again, and avoid any action that could be blamed on panic or poor judgment.
