What this change means
The fourth and fifth lines move, and the mountain gives way to heaven above the earth: 12 Decline, where heaven and earth don't meet. The fifth line leads, and it brings a surprise: help you didn't expect, putting you in a favorable spot. The fourth line warns that adversity is still advancing and may reach you physically. The resulting hexagram is cautious. You're surrounded by adverse people and situations, and it advises against getting involved with them, whatever they offer. So the help that arrives should be weighed with care. Accept what genuinely protects you, and refuse anything that ties you to the people causing harm. This isn't a time for big decisions. Withdraw to safe ground, look after your body and your integrity, keep a low profile, and let conditions change.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 23 The Fall
You'll receive unexpected help that puts you in a favorable position.
Fish strung in a row: favor like that of the palace ladies. Nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 4 of 23 The Fall
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.
The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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 → 23 The Falllines 4 and 5
Other transformations of The Fall
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 2
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 3
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 3
- 21Bitinglines 1 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 2 and 4
- 56The Travelerlines 3 and 4
- 42Increaselines 1 and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2 and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 3 and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1 and 6
- 7The Armylines 2 and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 3 and 6
- 16Passionlines 4 and 6
- 8Unionlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.