What this change means
Four lines move, and thunder bursts out of the earth: the restraint of Decrease turns into enthusiasm. The reading rests on the still third and fifth lines of the resulting hexagram, 16 Passion. The third says success comes from acting at the right moment. The fifth warns that drive mixed with anxiety, without time to rest and recharge, makes achievements rise and fall. This is a time of passionate energy toward action, energy you can pass on to others to win their help for big projects, as long as you also keep their needs in mind. Decrease has something to give here: pacing. Save part of your energy instead of pouring it all in. Wait for the right moment rather than the first one. Rest is part of the work. Enthusiasm that's well timed and well rested tends to carry much further than a burst of nervous zeal.
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 16 Passion, which stays still
Success lies in knowing how to act at the right moment.
Delight that looks upward: regret. Delay brings regret.
- Line 5 of 16 Passion, which stays still
If your passion for doing something comes with anxiety and you don't give yourself time to rest and recharge, your achievements will have ups and downs.
Constancy in sickness: it lingers and does not die.
- 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 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 16 Passion
A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.
It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.
The trigrams
The way back
16 Passion → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Decrease
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, 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.