I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 6 to Hexagram 40
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.1.4.6 -> 40
41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 41
Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.
Hexagram 41 Judgment
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”
This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.
Hexagram 41 Image
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”
The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.
Line 1 Changing
"已事遄往，無咎，酌損之。"
(Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù, zhuó sǔn zhī.)
“Finished with affairs, quickly move on. No blame. Consider making a reduction.”
This line advises completing current tasks and moving on without delay. It suggests considering where reductions or sacrifices can be made in order to progress without blame or difficulty.
Line 4 Changing
"損其疾，使遄有喜，無咎。"
(Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ, wú jiù.)
“Decrease the illness. If done quickly, there is joy and no blame.”
This line advises acting quickly to reduce or eliminate a problem (symbolized by illness). By addressing the issue promptly, one finds relief and joy, avoiding blame or further complications.
Line 6 Changing
"弗損，益之，無咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。"
(Fú sǔn, yì zhī, wú jiù, zhēn jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, dé chén wú jiā.)
“No decrease, but increase. No blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to go forward. You gain a servant without a household.”
This line speaks of a time when no decrease is necessary, and instead, increase comes. This brings good fortune and encourages perseverance. It suggests moving forward confidently, as new help or resources arrive.
Changing to:
40. Deliverance (解 Xiè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 40
Hexagram 解 (Xiè) symbolizes release from difficulty or deliverance. This hexagram speaks of a time when tensions ease, obstacles are removed, and liberation is possible. Success comes from seizing the opportunity to move forward after a period of difficulty.
Hexagram 40 Judgment
"解，利西南。无所往，其來復吉。有攸往，夙吉。"
(Xiè, lì xī nán. Wú suǒ wǎng, qí lái fù jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, sù jí.)
“Deliverance. It is favorable to go southwest. If there is nothing to pursue, returning brings good fortune. If there is something to pursue, setting out early brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises taking advantage of the easing of difficulties to move forward. If there is nothing urgent to pursue, it is best to return and rest. However, if there is a goal, starting early brings success.
Hexagram 40 Image
"雷雨作，解。君子以赦過宥罪。"
(Léi yǔ zuò, xiè. Jūn zǐ yǐ shè guò yòu zuì.)
“Thunder and rain set in: The image of Deliverance. The superior person pardons mistakes and forgives offenses.”
The image of thunder and rain symbolizes the release of tension and the clearing away of obstacles. The superior person, in a time of deliverance, shows mercy and forgiveness, helping others to move forward.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team