Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Decline becomes Great Manifestation
What this change means
Thunder now roars above Heaven: five lines move, all except the fourth, and Decline becomes 34 Great Manifestation. The fourth line stays in place and carries the message: adverse circumstances give way before your persistence, and relying on your inner power lets you move toward great achievements. The resulting hexagram says you have what it takes for big projects and extraordinary things, but you need to stay active, keep persevering, and think and act in harmony so you hold to what's right. So nearly the whole stagnant picture has turned into strength. The resistance you've endured is giving way. Keep pressing on steadily, not wildly. Let your power come from within rather than from force, and keep your conduct in step with what's right, as the image of taking no step outside proper ways suggests. That keeps great strength from becoming great harm.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 34 Great Manifestation, which stays still
Adverse circumstances give way before your persistence. If you rely on your inner power, you'll be able to move toward great achievements.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. The fence gives way, and nothing tangles. Strength in the axle of the great cart.
- 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 5 of 12 Decline
The stagnation is ending, but you still need to act with caution until the situation is fully stable.
Stagnation comes to rest. For the great person, good fortune. “It may be lost, it may be lost”: tied to the leafy mulberry.
- 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 34 Great Manifestation
You have what it takes to carry out big projects and achieve extraordinary things. Still, you need to stay active and keep persevering. Thinking and acting in harmony will keep you holding to what is right and will make your achievements last.
Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
34 Great Manifestation → 12 Declinelines 1, 2, 3, 5, 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.