Transformation · lines 4 and 5
Treading Carefully becomes Decrease
What this change means
The upper Heaven turns to Mountain when the fourth and fifth lines move, and a mountain rises over the lake. The fifth leads: you walk resolutely, aware of the danger, and with caution you succeed. The fourth supports it: in a risky venture, wary at every step, inner strength and firmness bring good fortune in the end. Both lines describe a brave walk with eyes open. The resulting hexagram, 41 Decrease, adds a discipline: moderation and saving, conserving your energy and resources, avoiding excess of every kind, and preparing for the growth that comes later. So courage here isn't about spending more. It's about doing more with less. Take the risk you've chosen carefully, but trim everything that doesn't serve it. Keep reserves. A lean, alert advance protects you better than a lavish one, and it leaves you ready for the expansion ahead.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.
A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 4 of 10 Treading Carefully
You're getting involved in a risky venture, but your inner strength and firmness will help you succeed.
Stepping on the tiger's tail. Wary, wary; in the end, good fortune.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- The judgment of 41 Decrease
It's a time for moderation and saving: conserving your resources and energy matters a great deal now. A period of growth will follow, but for now you need to stay aware and avoid excess of every kind while you get ready to take on big projects.
There is sincere trust. Great good fortune. No fault. Constancy is possible. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. What to offer? Two bowls will do for the offering.
The trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 10 Treading Carefullylines 4 and 5
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 12Declinelines 1 and 2
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 4
- 42Increaselines 2 and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 3 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 5
- 21Bitinglines 2 and 5
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 2 and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 3 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 4 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.