What this change means
All three lower lines move, and the Earth beneath Decline turns entirely to Heaven, giving 1 Activity. With three lines moving, the two judgments are balanced against each other. Decline describes a time when unworthy people surround you, when even steady virtue isn't favored, when the great goes and the small comes; the advice is to withdraw, keep a low profile and wait. 1 Activity describes the creative principle: new beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities to carry an undertaking to success. The contrast is the message. What was inert at the base has become strong, so the stagnation is breaking from the inside. You may not see it outwardly yet. Start where you are: rebuild your energy, clarify what you want to create, and take the first steps without rushing into company that isn't good for you. Grow strong, and keep going.
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 1 Activity
The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.
Great success. Constancy is favorable.
- Line 1 of 12 Decline
If you recognize the decline and withdraw in time, warning others about it, you'll succeed later on.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Constancy brings good fortune. Success.
- Line 2 of 12 Decline
Even when adverse people and situations surround you, keeping your strength inside helps you get through this moment.
Embracing and obeying. For the petty person, good fortune; for the great person, stagnation. Success.
- Line 3 of 12 Decline
Little by little things will improve; it's a matter of waiting patiently for justice to be done.
Embracing shame.
The trigrams
The way back
1 Activity → 12 Declinelines 1, 2, and 3
Other transformations of Decline
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 4, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 4, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 3, 4, and 5
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 6
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 1, 5, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.