What this change means
Two lines move at the base, and the lake drains into earth: the mountain now rests on bare ground. The second line leads. It says you can help without giving anything up, as long as you hold steady and don't launch out on your own. The first line backs it: finish your work first, then offer help, measured, and only where it's asked for. Together they describe careful generosity in a hard climate, because the resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, is a time of obstacles, when even sound words may not be believed and people who misuse power are gaining ground. Don't try to push ahead. Being generous toward those who depend on you, and keeping your own base solid, is what helps you hold on while circumstances change. Restraint, the heart of Decrease, becomes protection here: save your energy, avoid confrontation, and give where it strengthens the foundation rather than where it exposes you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 41 Decrease
Without having to give up any of what you have, it's a good moment to help others.
Constancy is favorable. Setting out brings misfortune. Without taking from it, it is added to.
- Line 1 of 41 Decrease
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.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 41 Decreaselines 1 and 2
Other transformations of Decrease
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1 and 3
- 22Good Mannerslines 2 and 3
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 4
- 21Bitinglines 2 and 4
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 4
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 5
- 42Increaselines 2 and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 3 and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 4 and 5
- 7The Armylines 1 and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 2 and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 3 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 4 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.