What this change means
Water now runs under Heaven: the second line of Decline moves, and the result is 6 Conflict. The weight rests on this line. Its old image is of embracing and obeying, which may suit the petty person but leaves the great person stuck. Practically, even when unfavorable people and situations surround you, keeping your strength inside is what carries you through. Don't hand it over by going along with everything. The resulting hexagram shows the danger nearby: a dispute is forming that action won't settle. Cleverness works better than force here, and so does accepting that nothing can be resolved for now. Seek the advice of someone wise, let events take their course, and think any new step through from its beginning. The temptation is either to give in or to fight. Do neither. Stay quiet, hold your center, and let the conflict pass you by.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 12 Declineline 2
Other transformations of Decline
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.