What this change means
A mountain rests on bare ground, stripped away: four lines move, and the result is 23 The Fall. The reading rests on the third and fourth lines, which stay unchanged. The third says that turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity at bay. The fourth warns that adversity is advancing, and that even your body may be affected. This is a serious turn, and it's worth taking at face value. Conserve your strength in every sense: physical, emotional, practical. Don't push ahead, and don't waste energy arguing where you won't be believed. Look after yourself and rest. Lean on whatever sustains you inwardly, whether practice, faith, reflection or trusted people. Generosity toward those who depend on you helps you hold on while circumstances change.
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 23 The Fall, which stays still
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.
Stripping. No fault.
- Line 4 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.
The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.
- 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 5 of 60 Thrift
Accept the restrictions of the moment for yourself too, not only for others; this will lead you to success.
Sweet measure. Good fortune. Going earns esteem.
- 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 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 60 Thriftlines 1, 2, 5, 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
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, 4, 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.