What this change means
Clouds rise to the heavens as five lines move, all except the fifth, and Decline becomes 5 Inaction. The fifth line, unmoved, holds the whole counsel: keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting. The resulting hexagram says it's time to wait, not to act, and that waiting isn't standing still; it's preparation for the active period ahead. Look at conditions without lying to yourself, stay calm and relaxed, and stay alert to the moment to move. So most of the stagnant picture has changed, but the timing isn't yours to force. The difference from before is your stance: not hiding from hostile circumstances, but resting with a clear aim, like someone eating and drinking at ease before a journey, as the image suggests. Keep your purpose, keep your calm, and let destiny take its course.
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 5 Inaction, which stays still
It's important to keep your goal, but relax, rest and watch without acting.
Waiting with wine and food. Constancy brings good fortune.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 12 Decline
If you act genuinely and with inner integrity, you'll come out of any situation well and be rewarded.
There is a mandate. No fault. Companions share in the blessing.
- Line 6 of 12 Decline
After a period of stagnation comes a stage of growth, well-being and harmony.
Stagnation is overturned. First stagnation, then joy.
- The judgment of 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 12 Declinelines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Decline
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.