What this change means
Clouds rise into the sky as three lines move: heaven now waits beneath water. Read the two judgments as equals, side by side. Decrease is a season of thrift, of keeping your reserves whole for the work ahead. The resulting hexagram, 5 Inaction, says it's time to wait, not act, though waiting is not standing still: it's preparation for the active period ahead. A calm, relaxed attitude helps, along with an honest look at conditions and enough alertness to see when the time comes. These two fit well. Saving and waiting are close relatives. Use the pause to strengthen what you'll need later; rest, eat well, enjoy good company. Don't force events, and don't lie to yourself about how things stand. When the moment to act arrives, you'll recognize it more easily if you've stayed calm in the meantime.
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 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
5 Inaction → 41 Decreaselines 3, 5, 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
- 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
- 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.