Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Great Achievements becomes Decline
What this change means
The top line stays as it was while the five beneath it move, and Great Achievements becomes 12 Decline, heaven and earth no longer meeting. That still line gives the guidance: stagnation gives way, in time, to growth, well-being and harmony. The resulting hexagram describes adverse people and situations, poor conditions for decisions, and the wisdom of withdrawing to a safe place and keeping a low profile. Seen from Great Achievements, this is the moment to store rather than spend. Don't launch the bold move now, and don't get involved with people who offer you shortcuts. Withdraw, protect your virtue, and keep learning quietly. The stagnation isn't permanent; the top line promises a turn. Being intact when it comes is the achievement that matters now.
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, which stays still
After a period of stagnation comes a stage of growth, well-being and harmony.
Stagnation is overturned. First stagnation, then joy.
- The judgment of 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 1 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait before acting for now; acting hastily won't turn out well.
There is danger. It is favorable to stop.
- Line 2 of 26 Great Achievements
Wait until conditions are right to act, because outside circumstances are holding you back.
The axle strap slips from the cart.
- Line 3 of 26 Great Achievements
The way is clearing little by little, and it's time to act; still, watch for situations that force you to stop at certain moments. At those times, keep preparing for when it's time to move forward.
Good horses in pursuit. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Each day, drill with the chariot and in defense. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 4 of 26 Great Achievements
If you watch the circumstances and spot obstacles before they arise, preparing to overcome them when the time comes, you'll succeed.
The board on the calf's horns. Great good fortune.
- Line 5 of 26 Great Achievements
Facing the situations and people trying to stop you, not head-on but cleverly, ensures your success.
The tusks of a gelded boar. 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.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 26 Great Achievementslines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Great Achievements
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.