I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 41: Decrease
Sun · 損
To diminish the superfluous is to increase the essential. Sincere simplicity is worth more than empty abundance.
- decrease
- simplicity
- sacrifice
- the essential
- Upper trigram
- Mountain 艮 · Stillness
- Lower trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
The Judgment
DECREASE combined with sincerity brings supreme good fortune without blame. Two small bowls suffice for the offering.
The Image
The lake at the foot of the mountain. Thus the superior man controls his anger and restrains his instincts.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Decrease' carries the energy of Mountain (Stillness) acting upon Lake (Joy). This moment asks for balance between pausing outwardly and communicating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests stability or blockage combined with pleasure and exchange. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors consolidation grounded in sales and partnerships. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Mountain above Lake suggests a natural dynamic of stillness over joy.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 6th place
Sixth position: beyond the summit, the excess. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Mountain (Stillness) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
The cycle has reached its end. Insisting past this point turns success into a fall. Withdraw with dignity. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Decrease — the matter is decrease: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 41 mean?
Decrease (Sun): The hexagram 'Decrease' carries the energy of Mountain (Stillness) acting upon Lake (Joy). This moment asks for balance between pausing outwardly and communicating inwardly.
What does hexagram 41 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests stability or blockage combined with pleasure and exchange. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 41 say about work?
At work, the energy favors consolidation grounded in sales and partnerships. Consolidate your base.