Decrease 損

Decrease marks a time to let go of excess and simplify. A small, sincere sacrifice is worth more than a showy abundance with nothing behind it.

What does Decrease mean?

The lake lies at the foot of the mountain and slowly gives its water to it. The mountain turns green and the lake sinks a little. Decrease describes a time when taking from one place strengthens another. Perhaps your income is shrinking, or you need to make do with less. At first glance this looks like loss. But a decrease made at the right time and with sincerity lightens you and brings you closer to what matters. Sometimes giving brings more than receiving. A tree also sends out stronger shoots after it has been pruned.

You have no need for display now. Simplicity is enough. As an old saying goes, two small bowls of food offered from the heart are worth more than a grand but empty ceremony. This is the time to tell apart what truly matters. Cut back on needless spending, on habits that tire you, and above all on your anger and excessive wants. You may need to set your own work aside for a while to help someone else. Do it without losing your sense of measure. Give in a way that keeps your balance, not in a way that drains you. Someone who sheds what is extra lives more happily with less and becomes ready to grow again.

The lines

If a line changed (red) in your reading, read only that line. Lines are counted from the bottom up.

1. First line

   You drop your own work and hurry to help someone else. There is no mistake in this, but weigh carefully how much of yourself you give.

2. Second line

   Staying steady serves you, while going on the attack brings misfortune. You can benefit others without taking anything away from yourself.

3. Third line

   When three people travel together, one is lost. The one who travels alone finds a companion. Some bonds deepen only in a close relationship between two.

4. Fourth line

   You are reducing your faults, and quickly. Those around you are pleased. No mistake.

5. Fifth line

   Someone gives you ten pairs of tortoise shells, a gift beyond price, and you cannot refuse it. Great good fortune.

6. Top line

   You increase without taking anything from anyone. No mistake, and staying steady brings good fortune. It is good to set about your work, and helpers who are devoted at heart come to you, not bound to any single household.

Trigrams

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