What this change means
Heaven rises above the Earth and the two drift apart, no longer meeting, as the third through top lines change. The bottom two lines of 12 Decline stay still, and they hold the advice. The first says that if you recognize the decline and withdraw in time, warning others, you can succeed later on. The second says that keeping your strength within helps you get through, even when hostile people and circumstances close in. Coming from Simplicity, this is a call for a low profile. Avoid getting involved with the wrong people, whatever they offer. Circumstances aren't good for big decisions; step back to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. Humility here means not seeking honors or position. Draw back into your values, look after those you can warn, and let this season pass.
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 12 Decline, which stays still
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, which stays still
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 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
- Line 3 of 15 Simplicity
If, despite your position and fame, you stay humble, you won't create rivalries and you'll succeed.
A noble person humble in toil. Reaching the end: good fortune.
- Line 4 of 15 Simplicity
If you carry out your tasks with dedication and without expecting recognition, you'll have great success.
Nothing that is not favorable. Humility spread wide.
- Line 5 of 15 Simplicity
If you hold a position of power, don't abuse it, but don't be careless about other people's mistakes either. It's time to observe and to take measured action.
Not rich, alongside the neighbors. It is favorable to attack and subdue. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 6 of 15 Simplicity
If situations come up that aren't right, your stance must be firm: take the actions needed to correct them.
Humility that makes itself heard. It is favorable to set the army in motion against the town and the country.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 15 Simplicitylines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Simplicity
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 42Increaselines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.