Transformation · lines 1, 4, and 6
Decrease becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as three lines move, and the tension held under the mountain finally releases. Read the two judgments as equals. Decrease favors a frugal, moderate life, one that avoids excess and readies you for larger work. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, says the obstacles have been overcome one by one, and that balance matters now: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating your abilities, and if you need rest, or even a step back, take it. The thread between them is measure. Decrease taught you how much is enough, and that sense is what this moment needs. Don't rush to fill the freed space with new burdens. Settle what remains promptly, forgive the mistakes that came along the way, yours and other people's, and save some strength. Relief is real, but it lasts longer when you don't overspend it.
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 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 41 Decreaselines 1, 4, and 6
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
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 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
- 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.