What this change means
Water collects above the Lake: four lines move, the first, second, fourth and top, and Decline becomes 60 Thrift. Advice comes from the lines that hold their place, the third and fifth. The third says that failing to hold yourself back and set limits brings trouble, but recognizing it and acting on it lets you get past the obstacles. The fifth says the limits this moment imposes apply to you as well, not just to others; accepting that leads to success. The resulting hexagram asks you to conserve time, energy and resources so you're ready for what's ahead. So the end of the stagnation calls for measure. Don't rush to spend what you saved through the hard time. Set sensible limits, apply them to yourself first, and keep reserves. Self-discipline now makes the next stage far easier.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.
One without measure will sigh afterward. No fault.
- Line 5 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- 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 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 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
The trigrams
The way back
60 Thrift → 12 Declinelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Decline
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 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.