What this change means
Lake below, Mountain above: the second, fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the figure now sits like a lake at a mountain's foot. The still lines of 41 Decrease carry the reading, the first and third. The first says that when your own work is finished, your spare time and strength can go to others, provided they ask for it. The third says it's a good moment to team up with one person, just one, and that if you don't know whom, the ally may come on their own. The resulting hexagram calls for moderation, saving resources and avoiding every kind of excess while you prepare for bigger things. After a hexagram about following, this narrows the field. Fewer ties, chosen well, and help given only where it's welcome. Keep your circle small and your energy in reserve.
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 41 Decrease, which stays still
Once your tasks are done, this is a time when you can use your time and energy to help others, as long as they ask for that help.
When the work is done, go quickly. No fault. Weigh how much to take away.
- Line 3 of 41 Decrease, which stays still
A good moment to team up with another person, just one. If you don't know whom to team up with, the ally will come on their own.
When three walk together, one is lost; when one walks alone, they find a companion.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 4 of 17 Adapting
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- The judgment of 41 Decrease
It's a time for moderation and saving: conserving your resources and energy matters a great deal now. A period of growth will follow, but for now you need to stay aware and avoid excess of every kind while you get ready to take on big projects.
There is sincere trust. Great good fortune. No fault. Constancy is possible. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. What to offer? Two bowls will do for the offering.
The trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 17 Adaptinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.