Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 6

Decrease becomes Going Up

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A tree begins to grow within the earth: three lines move, and the lean time of Decrease turns into ascent. The two judgments sit in balance. Decrease counsels restraint and thrift, keeping your strength in reserve, and says that growth comes afterward. The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, is that growth, the fruit of work done with dedication. It adds that seeking out an important person can bring great success, and that there's no need to fear that meeting. The movement shows how saving becomes rising: small things gathered patiently until they grow high. Don't let modesty keep you from asking for support now. Approach the person who can help, with your preparation in hand. Keep the habits that brought you here, especially restraint and steady effort, since an ascent built on accumulated small steps tends to hold.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 46 Going Up

    You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.

    Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Lake Wind
Above Mountain Earth

The way back

46 Going Up → 41 Decrease
lines 1, 3, 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.

Toss the coins