What this change means
With the second, third, fourth and top lines moving, Lake comes to rest at the foot of the mountain. Only the first and fifth stay as they were, and as lines of the resulting hexagram, 41 Decrease, they hold the advice. The first says that once your own tasks are done, your spare energy can go to others, provided they ask for it. The fifth says lucky chances will come unexpectedly, like a gift, because you've earned them. Coming from Abundance, the call is for moderation. Conserve your resources and energy, avoid excess, and get ready for a later period of growth. Finish your work first; then give help where it's requested. Restraint isn't loss here. It's what prepares the ground for the good fortune you've earned.
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 41 Decrease, which stays still
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 5 of 41 Decrease, which stays still
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.
- The judgment of 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
- Line 2 of 55 Abundance
Although you're resolved and conditions are good for getting what you want, the wrong people are standing in your way. If you keep doing what's right and don't let yourself be pulled off course, you'll succeed.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Going earns suspicion and harm. If there is sincere trust that unfolds, good fortune.
- Line 3 of 55 Abundance
If your spirits sink, any obstacle, however small, will stop you from reaching what you want.
Full is the curtain: at noon the faint small stars are seen. The right arm is broken. No fault.
- Line 4 of 55 Abundance
The shadows and obstacles that came up for a while are beginning to fade. If you act wisely and decisively, everything will go well.
Full is the awning: at noon the Dipper is seen. Meets the lord who is its like. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 55 Abundance
Your pride may get in the way of what you want and delay your success.
Full is the house, the home screened over. Peering through the door: silence, no one there. For three years no one is seen. Misfortune.
- 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 → 55 Abundancelines 2, 3, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Abundance
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 8Unionlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 60Thriftlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 12Declinelines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 42Increaselines 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.