What this change means
All six lines move, and Well-Being turns into its exact reverse, 12 Decline: Heaven now above, Earth below, each drawing away from the other. When every line changes, the resulting hexagram speaks. You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with them, whatever they offer. Conditions aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw somewhere safe, keep a low profile and wait for things to change. The image adds that the noble person draws back into their own virtue to avoid danger and doesn't seek honors or rewards. So the full flowering of peace has run its course, and the opposite season begins. This isn't a failure; it's a cycle. Don't cling to what was. Protect your integrity, say no to tempting offers from the wrong people, and stay quiet until the turn comes again.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
- The judgment of 11 Well-Being
A period of well-being, harmony and understanding is coming, and you can enjoy it. People and situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and in their place come people and situations that bring blessings and support. Heaven grants its gifts.
The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune. Success.
- Line 1 of 11 Well-Being
A season of flourishing: you surround yourself with like-minded people.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Setting out brings good fortune.
- Line 2 of 11 Well-Being
It's favorable to take decisive action that gets you out of your comfort zone and to recognize the people around you. There's no need to push anyone away; it's enough to know each person's nature.
Embracing the untilled. Wading across the river; not forgetting the distant; leaving friends behind. So it is honored on the middle way.
- Line 3 of 11 Well-Being
There will be ups and downs. Don't despair: enjoy the calm moments and act with caution in the face of danger.
No plain without a slope, no going without return. Constancy in hardship: no fault. Do not grieve over its truth; in eating there is blessing.
- Line 4 of 11 Well-Being
Inner wealth lets you genuinely support people going through times of need. This will increase your well-being.
Fluttering. Not rich, with its neighbors. Not on guard, with sincere trust.
- Line 5 of 11 Well-Being
Joining with those who are at a disadvantage compared with you, and supporting them, brings you blessings.
Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. Blessing. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 11 Well-Being
The situation may take a turn for the worse. Pay attention and watch for the first signs of decline. If you insist on pressing ahead, there will be loss.
The city wall falls back into the moat. Do not use the army. From the town, orders are proclaimed. Constancy brings distress.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 11 Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.