What this change means
A lake settles at the foot of a mountain as the first, third and fifth lines move, the lower Wind becoming Lake and the upper becoming Mountain. The judgments of both hexagrams count equally here. Gentleness asks for steadiness without force, one chosen path, small actions that build quietly, and support from those above you. The resulting hexagram, 41 Decrease, calls for moderation and saving; guarding your energy and means is essential now. A time of growth can follow, but for the moment avoid excess of every kind while you prepare for larger projects. The two agree: this is a season for restraint and patience, not expansion. Spend carefully, say less, and keep your effort small and consistent. What you hold back now becomes the reserve you'll need when the time to grow arrives.
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 57 Gentleness
It's a time when you'll gain and succeed through gentleness. This isn't the time for big actions, or for using pressure or force. It's a time to choose a path and stay on it steadily. Even if you don't see much progress, success will show itself through the build-up of small actions and through seeking the support of those above you.
Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 57 Gentleness
Don't give in to indecision: going forward and back will delay your success. Right now firm, decisive action is better than wavering.
Advancing and retreating. The constancy of the warrior is favorable.
- Line 3 of 57 Gentleness
Thinking about what to do without making up your mind to do what needs doing will only delay your success.
Yielding again and again. Distress.
- Line 5 of 57 Gentleness
It's time to change course. Reflect before you set out; once you know what you want, taking action will make your success certain.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Nothing that is not favorable. No beginning, yet an end. Three days before the geng day, three days after the geng day: good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 57 Gentlenesslines 1, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Gentleness
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, and 4
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 2, and 5
- 23The Falllines 2, 3, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 4, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 4, and 5
- 64Transitionlines 3, 4, and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 4, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 3, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.