What this change means
Thunder below and lightning above: as the second and fourth lines move, the quiet of Decrease turns into something that bites through. The fourth line leads, asking you to deal with what ails you, a habit, a weakness, a lingering problem, so that relief comes quickly. The second line steadies it: you can help others without giving up what is yours, but stay on firm ground and don't launch into a rash venture. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, decisive action to clear obstacles, even formal or legal steps if they're truly needed. Set clear limits and act with energy. The link is that the obstacle may sit partly inside you. Bite through it there first, then deal with the outer one. Decrease keeps you from overdoing it: decisive doesn't mean excessive, and a measured, well-placed action tends to work better than a show of force.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 41 Decreaselines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Decrease
- 23The Falllines 1 and 2
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1 and 3
- 22Good Mannerslines 2 and 3
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 4
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 4
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 5
- 42Increaselines 2 and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 3 and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 4 and 5
- 7The Armylines 1 and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 2 and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 3 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 4 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.