What this change means
The lake now lies at the foot of a mountain, after four lines move. The result's second and fourth lines, the two that stay still, carry the guidance. The second says that without giving up anything you have, it's a good moment to help others. The fourth says that working on yourself raises your vibration and draws in people who are in tune with it. So 48 Right Action opens onto 41 Decrease, a time of moderation and saving, avoiding excess while you prepare for growth to come. Using what you have doesn't mean using it up. Spend wisely, help where you can without strain, and invest in your own growth. As you improve, the right people tend to come closer. Curbing anger and desire, as the image advises, keeps your resources and energy intact for what's ahead.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 41 Decrease, which stays still
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.
- Line 4 of 41 Decrease, which stays still
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.
- The judgment of 48 Right Action
You're at a moment when opportunities are on your side. But if you don't know how to use them because you keep putting off decisions and actions, being in the right place at the right time won't do you any good. It's not about looking for new things but about making use of what you have, or there will be loss.
The town is changed, the well is not. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They come and go, and draw from the well. Nearly there, the rope does not yet reach the well; if the jar breaks, misfortune.
- Line 1 of 48 Right Action
Your mood is low, so everything looks bleak to you: you don't see the opportunities and you don't draw help.
A muddy well: no one drinks. No birds come to the old well.
- Line 3 of 48 Right Action
You aren't using all your talents, and you have many, so the opportunities are there but you don't take them.
The well is cleaned, and no one drinks: my heart aches. Water could be drawn. If the king were clear-sighted, all would share in the blessing.
- Line 5 of 48 Right Action
You recognize the opportunities around you and feel motivated and determined to act, which will bring success.
The well is clear: the cold spring is drunk.
- Line 6 of 48 Right Action
You have all the talents and abilities to act and seize the moment, and you also want to contribute to those around you: there will be success.
Water is drawn from the well: do not cover it. There is sincere trust. Great good fortune.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 48 Right Actionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Right Action
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.