What this change means
Heaven and earth no longer meet: five lines move, leaving only the bottom one still, and that line of the resulting hexagram, 12 Decline, carries the reading. Seeing the decline for what it is, pulling back in time and alerting others can lead to success further on. The resulting hexagram describes adverse people and situations, poor conditions for acting or deciding, and a time to keep a low profile. Coming from Going Up, this is the top of a climb turning over. Don't keep pushing upward against a closing sky. Notice the signs, step back to safe ground, and tell those who rely on you what you see. Stay away from people offering easy deals. The ascent isn't lost; it's paused, and withdrawing wisely now is what makes a later success possible.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 12 Decline, which stays still
If you recognize the decline and withdraw in time, warning others about it, you'll succeed later on.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Constancy brings good fortune. Success.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 46 Going Up
If your words are sincere and you keep good manners in your dealings with others, you'll succeed.
If there is sincere trust, it is favorable to make the simple offering. No fault.
- Line 3 of 46 Going Up
It's important to make the most of this time of rising while it lasts and to work toward your goals.
Ascends into an empty city.
- Line 4 of 46 Going Up
This is a time when you'll reach your goals and gain fame and recognition.
The king makes an offering on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No fault.
- Line 5 of 46 Going Up
Don't let success cloud your judgment. Go step by step, enjoying each moment, without rushing or being dazzled by power.
Constancy brings good fortune. Ascends by the steps.
- Line 6 of 46 Going Up
Keep in mind what you want to achieve and don't let circumstances pull you away from your goals.
Ascent in the dark. A constancy that never rests is favorable.
- The judgment of 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 46 Going Uplines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Going Up
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.