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Hexagram:
41. Decrease
Line #
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Youngest Son
Immature Yang
Lower Trigram
Lake
Youngest Daughter
Immature Yin
6
5
4
3
2
1
Yang
Yin
Yin
Yin
Yang
Yang
Masculine
Feminine
Feminine
Feminine
Masculine
Masculine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
41. Decrease
損
sǔn
Evaluate
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
24. Returning
復
fu / fù
Go back
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
31. Mutual Influence
咸
xián
Woo
Expression:
Also known as:
I simplify my life
Simplifying Life, Embracing Less, Removing Excess, Focusing on Essentials, Streamlining Efforts, Letting Go of the Unnecessary, Reducing Burdens, Honoring Simplicity, Paring Down, Finding Strength in Less
Affirmation:
I simplify and focus on what truly matters, finding strength and clarity in letting go.
Image (Legge):
At the foot of the mountain, the lake: the image of Decrease. Thus the superior man controls his anger and restrains his instincts.
Judgement (Legge):
Decrease combined with sincerity brings about supreme good fortune without blame. One may be persevering in this. It furthers one to undertake something. How is this to be carried out? One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
Overall meaning:
Decrease represents simplicity, modesty, and the purposeful reduction of excess to strengthen one’s core. This hexagram symbolizes a time to prioritize what truly matters, trimming away unnecessary distractions or indulgences in order to focus on essentials. Decrease is not about loss or deprivation; rather, it is an intentional process of refinement, where letting go of the superfluous brings greater clarity, balance, and stability. This period encourages self-discipline and contentment with less, allowing inner strength and purpose to emerge more clearly.
The essence of Hexagram 41 lies in finding value through simplicity and mindful restraint. It teaches that by consciously reducing external demands, one can cultivate a greater sense of peace, resilience, and authenticity. This practice of intentional limitation can open space for deeper connections, personal growth, and a richer appreciation of what remains. In this way, Decrease reminds us that true abundance often arises from within, and that by embracing simplicity, we make room for a life that feels more meaningful, harmonious, and aligned with our inner values.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
100011
Line 1:
The first line, dynamic, shows its subject suspending his own affairs, and hurrying away to help the subject of the fourth line. He will commit no error, but let him consider how far he should contribute of what is his for the other.
Line 2:
The second line, dynamic, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject to maintain firm correctness, and that action on his part will be evil. He can give increase to his correlate without taking from himself.
Line 3:
The third line, magnetic, shows how of three men walking together, the number is diminished by one; and how one, walking, finds his friend.
Line 4:
The fourth line, magnetic, shows its subject diminishing the ailment under which she labors by making the subject of the first line hasten to her help, and make her glad. There will be no error.
Line 5:
The fifth line, magnetic, shows parties adding to the stores of its subject ten pairs of tortoise shells, and accepting no refusal. There will be great good fortune.
Line 6:
The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject giving increase to others without taking from himself. There will be no error. With firm correctness there will be good fortune. There will be advantage in every movement that shall be made. He will find ministers more than can be counted by their clans.
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