Hexagram 61 changing to 41: Inner Truth to Decrease

Where it starts: 61 Inner Truth

Wind over the lake, an empty centre: sincerity so complete that it moves pigs and fishes, and crosses the great water. Lake below, wind above: wind moving the surface of the water, the influence of the invisible on the visible. The hexagram's shape has two yielding lines at its centre, an emptiness in the middle, which the tradition reads as a heart free of prejudice and open to truth. Inner Truth describes sincerity that reaches even the least receptive, pigs and fishes, and that makes large undertakings possible. The judgement promises good fortune and the crossing of the great water. The image is of the wise person discussing criminal cases in order to delay executions: truth that leans toward understanding. The reading says the situation is decided by inner sincerity, and that the empty centre is not weakness but the space through which truth passes.

Where it goes: 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.

The lines that move

1. Line 5

   He possesses truth, which links together. No blame.

   The leader whose sincerity binds everyone to them. Truth as the force that holds a group together. The line is the hexagram's centre fully realised in a person of authority. Let your sincerity be what holds people together.

What is changing. The situation of Inner Truth is moving toward Decrease. Keep the centre open and sincere; truth held that way reaches everyone and carries the large undertaking. As the change completes: Reduce what is excess, offer what you have with sincerity, and restrain anger and impulse.

love and relationships

Now: The reading is about trust: complete sincerity, an open centre, and the influence that has on the other person. Say what is true, without agenda. The lines warn against sincerity that depends on the other's response, and against confidence in the wrong person. Then: 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

Now: Influence through honesty and openness rather than position. People are moved by someone whose centre they can see into. The reading supports large undertakings founded on trust and warns against the confidence that is only ambition. Then: 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

Now: Dealings founded on trust, transparently. The reading is favourable to ventures built on sincere agreement and warns against trusting the wrong party, which the fifth and sixth lines describe. Then: 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.

decisions

Now: Decide from your own inner truth, with an open mind and no prejudice. The reading supports the large decision when it rests on sincerity, and it asks you to examine whether your confidence is real or merely wishful. Then: 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.