What this change means
Wind becomes a tree growing within the Earth: every line but the first moves, and Decline becomes 46 Going Up. The first line, still, gives the counsel: the climb has barely started, and confidence is what lets you reach your aim. The resulting hexagram describes a rise that's the fruit of work done with dedication, and adds that seeking help from an important person can bring great success; there's no reason to fear that meeting, because conditions are favorable. So nearly everything has turned, and you're at the foot of a climb. Don't let the long stagnant time make you timid. Take the first steps with trust in yourself. Ask for the help you need, from someone in a position to give it. Pile up small gains, as the image says, until they become something high and great.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 46 Going Up, which stays still
You're only beginning to rise, but if you do it with confidence you'll get what you want.
An ascent that is welcomed. Great 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 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 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 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 12 Declinelines 2, 3, 4, 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.