Hexagram 41 · 损 · Sǔn
Decrease
- Element:
- Mountain over Lake
- Key themes:
- loss, sacrifice, simplicity, moderation, renewal
Image
A lake below a mountain, symbolizing the process of decrease and the need for moderation.
Overall message
Hexagram 41 represents a situation of decrease and loss. It emphasizes the importance of accepting loss, focusing on simplicity, and embracing renewal. Success comes from letting go of excess and finding balance through moderation.
Accept the process of decrease and loss. Focus on simplicity and moderation. Success comes from letting go of excess and embracing renewal.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.
Image. (The trigram representing) a mountain and beneath it that for the waters of a marsh form Sun. The superior man, in accordance with this, restrains his wrath and represses his desires.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Decrease
The period of decrease comes to an end. Reflect on the lessons learned.
Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Prepare for a more balanced future.
Line 5 · Leadership in Decrease
Strong leadership is crucial in navigating through the decrease.
Lead with wisdom and strength. Guide others through the difficult times.
Line 4 · Seeking Balance
Efforts are made to restore balance. Seek support if needed.
Work towards restoring balance. Seek help and collaborate with others.
Line 3 · Overcoming Setbacks
Setbacks may occur, but they can be overcome with determination.
Stay resilient and focused. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Line 2 · Managing Loss
Loss becomes more pronounced. Focus on managing the situation.
Take steps to manage the loss. Adapt to the changing circumstances.
Line 1 · Initial Decrease
The beginning of a period of decrease. Be cautious and attentive.
Stay vigilant and address the early signs of decrease. Prevent further loss.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 31 · 咸 · Xián. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 24 · 复 · Fù. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 4 · 蒙 · Méng
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 27 · 颐 · Yí
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 26 · 大畜 · Dà Chù
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 38 · 睽 · Kuí
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 61 · 中孚 · Zhōng Fú
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 19 · 临 · Lín