What this change means
Heaven above Decline turns into a Lake rising over Earth: only the top line moves, and the result is 45 Meeting. This line is the heart, and it's the turning point of the whole hexagram. Stagnation is overturned: first the blockage, then joy. Practically, after the stuck period comes a stage of growth, ease and harmony. The resulting hexagram describes what that new stage looks like: a very favorable situation with all in place for moving closer to what you want. Help can be asked for, and supporters can be gathered. It's a time to take on important things, to tend some kind of spiritual practice, and to prepare in case the unexpected arrives. So come out of hiding. Gather the people who share your aims, and move. Just keep some readiness in reserve, as the image of guarding against surprises suggests.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
45 Meeting → 12 Declineline 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.