Limitation ䷻
“Rate limiting — constraints that create flow rather than obstruct it.”
Trigram Composition
Upper Trigram
☵
☵ Water (Kan)
Lower Trigram
☱
☱ Lake (Dui)
Binary Structure
Binary: 110010
Hexagram Meaning
The Oracle Speaks
Water over lake — the lake can only hold so much. Limitation. Success. But galling limitation must not be persevered in. Limits give form to the formless. Without banks, water cannot become a river. Rate limits, scope constraints, API quotas — these are not punishments but the structures that make flow possible. But excessive limitation suffocates.
The Six Lines — Changing Line Oracles
When a line is “changing” (old yin or old yang), its oracle activates. These texts reveal the specific mutation occurring at that position in the hexagram.
Line 1 (Yang — solid) — Bottom
Not going out of the door and the courtyard. No blame. Knowing when to stay within bounds.
Line 2 (Yang — solid)
Not going out of the gate and the courtyard. Misfortune. The same constraint at the wrong time — now it's too late to stay safe inside.
Line 3 (Yin — broken)
He who knows no limitation will have cause to lament. No blame. Unlimited consumption leads to regret.
Line 4 (Yin — broken)
Contented limitation. Success. Accepting natural limits with grace — the optimized system within its constraints.
Line 5 (Yang — solid)
Sweet limitation brings good fortune. Going brings esteem. Elegant constraint design — the limitation that users love.
Line 6 (Yin — broken) — Top
Galling limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Remorse. Start over. Oppressive limits must be removed, not endured.
Related Hexagrams — Upper ☵ Water (Kan)
Cast Limitation ䷻ in a Reading
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Consult the I Ching