What this change means
Four lines move, and heaven and earth drift apart: the result is 12 Decline. The reading turns to the two still lines, the third and the fifth. The third says things will get better gradually, and what's needed is patience while justice takes its course. The fifth says the stagnation is ending, but you still need caution until the situation is fully stable. So the hard stretch is real, and it's also passing. This is a time to keep a low profile, avoid entanglements with adverse people, and not make big decisions. Measure means patience and prudence now. Don't rush out the moment things look better; let them settle first. Keep your reserves, your calm and your integrity, and let fairness arrive in its own time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 12 Decline, which stays still
Little by little things will improve; it's a matter of waiting patiently for justice to be done.
Embracing shame.
- Line 5 of 12 Decline, which stays still
The stagnation is ending, but you still need to act with caution until the situation is fully stable.
Stagnation comes to rest. For the great person, good fortune. “It may be lost, it may be lost”: tied to the leafy mulberry.
- The judgment of 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
- Line 1 of 60 Thrift
Watch for the signs that tell you when it's time to stop.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the door. No fault.
- Line 2 of 60 Thrift
When it's time to move forward, hurry: hesitating without acting will bring trouble.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the gate. Misfortune.
- Line 4 of 60 Thrift
For good results right now, the limits you set yourself shouldn't be excessive, and you should find a way to enjoy them, to see their kinder side.
Calm measure. Success.
- Line 6 of 60 Thrift
There are times when restrictions that seem extreme are called for. This is an exceptional time and it needs that kind of behavior, but don't keep it up too long.
Bitter measure. Even with constancy, misfortune. Regret vanishes.
- 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 → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Thrift
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 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.