What this change means
Five lines move, and only the fourth stays still: the lower trigram becomes a mountain and the upper one water, a steep path with a torrent above. That still fourth line of the resulting hexagram, 39 Held Back, carries the reading. You won't get past these obstacles by yourself. It's time to return to more stable ground and seek support from people who think as you do; with their help you can succeed. The situation is one where each advance meets something that forces you to stop and step back. That's not failure, only the shape of the path. Decrease has taught you to conserve, and that matters now: don't spend yourself trying to force through alone. Go back to solid footing, gather the right people, and then move again, one obstacle at a time. Turning inward to strengthen your character is part of the climb.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
You won't get past the obstacles on your own. It's time to return to more stable conditions and look for support from like-minded people; with their help you'll succeed.
Going: hardship. Coming: joined with others.
- 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 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.
- Line 6 of 41 Decrease
You're in a position to help others generously and selflessly. The more you do it, the more blessings from heaven will come.
Without taking from it, it is added to. No fault. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Gains servants who have no house of their own.
- The judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Decrease
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.