Hexagram 43 of 64
Break-through 泽天夬
☱☰ Lake over Heaven
Decisive resolution.
Hexagram 43 is a moment of decision: a clear break with whatever has been holding things back. The image is a lake raised toward heaven, pressing to break its banks. The reading urges open, honest declaration and a clear case made in front of others, while warning against rash force. It favors a firm decision made with others, not a lone charge.
Judgment
扬于王庭，孚号有厉。告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。
Announce it in the king's court: a sincere cry of alarm signals danger. Declare it from your own town. Taking up arms is unfavorable; moving forward is favorable.
Image
泽上于天，夬；君子以施禄及下，居德则忌。
The lake rises to heaven: break-through. The noble person shares rewards with those below and does not dwell on their own merit.
The six lines
Read from the bottom line (the beginning) to the top line (the outcome). Each line gives the classical text, our English translation, and a plain-language reading.
初九：壮于前趾，往不胜为咎。
Strong in the forward foot. Going ahead without being able to prevail brings blame.
Eagerness to start is a strength, but charging in before you are ready invites trouble. Make sure you can see the way through before you push.
九二：惕号，莫夜有戎，勿恤。
Stay watchful and cry out a warning. Even if the enemy comes at night, do not be anxious.
Stay alert and be ready to ask for help. Preparation lets you face sudden pressure without panic.
九三：壮于頄，有凶。君子夬夬，独行遇雨，若濡有愠，无咎。
Strong in the cheekbones: misfortune. The noble person decides with resolve, yet walks alone in the rain and is soaked, feeling resentment. There is no blame.
Showing force openly, in your face and manner, invites a reaction. Make firm decisions, but expect that standing alone may leave you feeling hurt.
九四：臀无肤，其行次且。牵羊悔亡，闻言不信。
No flesh on the buttocks, so the walk is hesitant. If you lead a sheep, regret disappears. But when you hear words, do not believe them yet.
You feel exposed, so each step is slow. A simple, clear gesture can settle things, but do not trust reassuring words alone.
九五：苋陆夬夬，中行无咎。
Like a purslane plant pulled up with decisive firmness. Walking the middle way is without blame.
You can resolve a problem decisively when you stay balanced and fair. Be firm, but keep your conduct measured.
上六：无号，终有凶。
No call for help is made, and in the end there is misfortune.
If you refuse to ask for support or to admit that you need it, the situation can end badly. Reach out before the pressure builds.
In practice
Love and relationships
A long-running tension may need to be named openly. Speak your truth clearly and sincerely, and avoid turning the conversation into a fight. A firm boundary can help.
Work and decisions
This suits a decision you have been putting off. Make your case openly, bring others along, and set a clear deadline. Avoid a dramatic confrontation, since it usually costs more than it gains.
Money
Cutting losses or ending an unnecessary expense can be the right call. Make the decision clearly, with written terms and advice, rather than in the heat of frustration.
How to use this reading
Use this reading when you need to make a clear, final decision about something that has dragged on, and ask: what must I say or end now, and who needs to hear it?
New to the method? Start with the six-line basics.
For cultural reflection only. This is not a prediction guarantee or professional advice.