Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 5, and 6

Decline becomes A Subordinate Role

否 12 Decline 歸妹 54 A Subordinate Role
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder rolls above the Lake: the first, second, fifth and top lines move, giving 54 A Subordinate Role. The two lines left as they were, the third and fourth, give the advice. The third says that given present circumstances, a subordinate position is better than standing alone. The fourth says patient waiting brings what you're after, and brings it whole. The resulting hexagram describes having to take second place to others, where personal initiative tends to fail; recognize the moment and act in keeping with it until your position improves. So the end of the stagnation doesn't put you in charge yet. Accept a supporting role without bitterness, and don't go it alone out of pride. Serve well, wait well, and trust that the timing will bring you what you're after.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 3 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still

    Given the present circumstances, it's better to stay in a subordinate position than to be alone.

    The young woman marries as a servant; she comes back and marries as a second wife.

  2. Line 4 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still

    If you know how to wait, you'll get what you want, and get it perfectly.

    The young woman lets the time for her wedding pass. A late marriage has its hour.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 54 A Subordinate Role

    You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.

    Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Earth Lake
Above Heaven Thunder

The way back

54 A Subordinate Role → 12 Decline
lines 1, 2, 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.

Toss the coins