Hexagram 41 line 2: Decrease, yang in the second place

What changes when line 2 moves

Line 2 of Hexagram 41 is yang, a solid line. When it is cast as old yang (a 9) it flips, and the hexagram becomes Hexagram 27, Nourishment: What you feed, and what feeds you: attention to nourishment, of the body, the mind and others.

Read together, the reading moves from Decrease toward Nourishment. Less at the base to strengthen the top: a season of reduction that is fortunate when done with sincerity. Thunder below, mountain above: the hexagram's shape is an open mouth, two firm lines enclosing four yielding ones. Nourishment asks a simple question that runs in both directions: what are you taking in, and what are you giving out? The tradition's judgement says to pay attention to what you nourish and to what you seek to fill your mouth with, and the image adds care in words and moderation in food. The primary hexagram describes the situation; the changing line is the point of movement in it; the resulting hexagram is where that movement leads. Both hexagrams belong to the reading, and the changing line is the hinge between them.

Hexagram 41 changing to 27 →

Line 2 in context

Love & relationships

Help others without lessening yourself; your integrity is the gift. In love and relationships, Hexagram 41 reads: 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.

Career

Help others without lessening yourself; your integrity is the gift. In career, Hexagram 41 reads: 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.

Money

Help others without lessening yourself; your integrity is the gift. In money, Hexagram 41 reads: 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.

A decision

Help others without lessening yourself; your integrity is the gift. In decisions, Hexagram 41 reads: 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.