What this change means
Of six lines, five move and only the third holds: the lake rises over the earth, where people come together. That still third line of the resulting hexagram, 45 Meeting, is the key. You're trying to join people who aren't willing to receive you, and the way forward is to find someone who can bring you closer to that group; then help comes. The wider situation is favorable: everything is ready for the next step toward your goals, and you can ask for support and meet those who will back you. It's also a time to prepare for the unexpected and keep some kind of spiritual practice. Decrease gives you patience and modesty for this. Don't force your way in or take rejection personally. Look for the bridge, the person who already belongs, and let them introduce you. Keep some reserves, too, in case something unforeseen comes up.
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 45 Meeting, which stays still
You're trying to meet with people who aren't willing. If you look for someone who can bring you closer to that group, you'll get help.
Gathering, sighing. Nothing is favorable. Going: no fault. Small distress.
- 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.
- 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 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
45 Meeting → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, 4, 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.