What this change means
Wind passes over the earth now, as three lines move and the lake beneath the mountain gives way to open ground. The two judgments meet in balance. Decrease asks for moderation, for saving resources and energy, and for steering clear of excess until bigger work is possible. The resulting hexagram, 20 Observing, asks you to look before you act: you're an example for others right now, and at the same time you should watch closely those who inspire you. Together they describe a pause with a purpose. Holding back isn't only about thrift here; it gives you the distance to see clearly. Notice what people do with what they have, what works, and what wastes. Let your own restraint become something others can learn from, without preaching. When you've observed enough, things tend to unfold at the right moment. Acting too soon, or out of appetite, would undo the clarity this time offers.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
20 Observing → 41 Decreaselines 1, 2, and 5
Other transformations of Decrease
- 52Abidinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 35Advancelines 1, 2, and 4
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 3, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 2, 3, and 4
- 57Gentlenesslines 1, 3, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 2, 3, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 1, 4, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 2, 4, and 5
- 1Activitylines 3, 4, and 5
- 2Passivitylines 1, 2, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 1, 3, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 2, 3, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 4, and 6
- 51Shocklines 2, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 3, 4, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 5, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 3, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.