Hexagram 41 changing to 19: Decrease to Approach

Where it starts: 41 Decrease

Less at the base to strengthen the top: a season of reduction that is fortunate when done with sincerity. Lake below, mountain above: the lake at the foot of the mountain giving up its depth to the mountain's height. Decrease describes reduction: of resources, of expenditure, of passion, of what is below in order to serve what is above. The tradition's judgement is that decrease combined with sincerity brings supreme good fortune, and it offers the image of two small bowls used for a sacrifice when nothing grander is available. Simplicity, when it is honest, is enough. The image adds the inner work: the wise person controls anger and restrains instincts. The reading says the time asks for less, and that less done sincerely is a form of increase.

Where it goes: 19 Approach

A favourable time approaching, and the reminder that it will pass: use it before the eighth month. Lake below, earth above: the earth leaning over the water, the higher approaching the lower with care. Approach describes a rising time, spring coming, the strong lines entering from below and growing. The judgement is very favourable and it contains a warning: in the eighth month there is misfortune. The season will turn. The reading asks you to act now, generously and attentively, as someone in authority approaches those they are responsible for, and to keep the coming turn in mind so that the gains are secured before it arrives.

The lines that move

1. Line 6

   Increase without decreasing others. No blame. Persistence brings good fortune. It furthers to undertake something. One obtains servants but no longer has a separate home.

   Increase that costs no one, from someone whose generosity has become part of the whole. The private house is given up and the person belongs to everyone. The line describes the end of the hexagram turning into its opposite. Give in a way that takes from no one; it is the end of decrease.

What is changing. The situation of Decrease is moving toward Approach. Reduce what is excess, offer what you have with sincerity, and restrain anger and impulse. As the change completes: Act generously and attentively while the time is favourable, and secure the gains before it turns.

love and relationships

Now: Less: fewer demands, less passion spent on argument, simpler gestures. The reading favours giving something up for the sake of the relationship, done sincerely. Two small bowls, honestly offered, over an elaborate show. Then: Things are growing and the time to invest in them is now. Approach the other person with care and generosity. The reading's warning is that a good season is not permanent: use it to build what will last past it.

career

Now: A leaner time. Cut what is excess, simplify, and serve the larger purpose with what remains. The reading warns against faking abundance and rewards honest economy. Restrain the temper; it is the costliest excess. Then: Rising influence and opportunity. Engage fully, teach and protect the people you are responsible for, and secure the gains. The eighth month is a real deadline: what is not established by then may be lost.

money

Now: Reduce. Spend less, simplify, and treat the reduction as a discipline rather than a loss. Decrease done sincerely, the reading promises, is greatly fortunate. Do not pretend to more than you have. Then: A growing phase. Invest, build and act while conditions favour it, and set aside for the turn. Do not assume the rise continues indefinitely.

decisions

Now: Choose the option that costs less and demands more restraint. If it involves giving something up, give it up sincerely and without resentment. The reading is against the lavish choice. Then: Act now on the opportunity; delay wastes a favourable season. Choose the option that uses the rising conditions while they last and does not depend on them lasting.