What this change means
Four lines change, and heaven ends up above earth with nothing passing between them. Because so much moves, the reading turns to the still lines of the resulting hexagram, 12 Decline, and both of them look past the hard time. The third says things will improve little by little, and asks you to wait patiently for what is fair to be done. The top line says that after stagnation comes growth, well-being and harmony. So the situation itself is unfavorable: adverse people and circumstances, a poor moment for decisions, a need to withdraw and keep a low profile. Yet the movement doesn't leave you there. Decrease has trained you to live on little and conserve your strength, and that is exactly what helps now. Don't accept tempting offers from people you don't trust. Stay safe, stay quiet, keep your integrity, and let the season turn.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 12 Decline, which stays still
Little by little things will improve; it's a matter of waiting patiently for justice to be done.
Embracing shame.
- 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 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 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 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 → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Decrease
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.