Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Decrease becomes Leaving Behind
What this change means
Five lines change, and only the top line holds. The lake becomes a mountain, the mountain becomes heaven, and Decrease turns into a retreat. The reading rests on that one still line of the resulting hexagram, 33 Leaving Behind: you stand where you can let go of what has run its course, sure that it's right, without grieving over it, and that can bring great success. Decrease has been practice for this moment. You've learned to live with less, to let go of excess, to keep desire in check. Now the subtraction goes further: a path, a role, a commitment that no longer serves. Stepping back isn't defeat; it lets you recover strength and see the situation clearly. Keep your distance from what pulls you down, without resentment but firmly. What looks like a loss may prove to be the gain.
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 33 Leaving Behind, which stays still
You're in the right position to leave behind what has run its course. You can do it knowing it's right and without mourning the loss, and this will bring you great success.
A retreat at ease. Nothing that is not favorable.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 3 of 41 Decrease
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.
- Line 4 of 41 Decrease
If you work on improving yourself, you'll raise your vibration and also draw people in tune with it.
Lessens the ailment; let joy come quickly. No fault.
- Line 5 of 41 Decrease
Lucky chances will come unexpectedly, like a gift from heaven, because you've earned them.
Someone adds to it: a tortoise worth ten strings of shells cannot go against it. Great good fortune.
- The judgment of 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Decrease
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.