Transformation · lines 1 and 4

Decrease becomes Transition

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Both trigrams shift as the first and fourth lines move: water below, fire above, each heading its own way. The fourth line leads. It asks you to shed what weakens you, and says that relief and gladness can come fast once you do. The first line follows with a practical rule: finish your own work, then help others if they ask, and weigh carefully how much to give. The resulting hexagram, 64 Transition, describes a moment when things are coming together for success but haven't quite fallen into place. Stay alert. Mistakes born of hurry or immaturity can pull you off course, even after you seem to have arrived. So keep improving yourself, keep your help measured, and don't celebrate too soon. Decrease's advice to save energy and avoid excess fits well: the final stretch asks for care, not a burst of effort that leaves you careless.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 64 Transition

    Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.

    Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Lake Water
Above Mountain Fire

The way back

64 Transition → 41 Decrease
lines 1 and 4

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