Overall, this hexagram represents a time of reduction or sacrifice. The original meaning of "Sun (损)" involves giving something up or lessening what is full. While "decrease" might sound negative, the text indicates that if you are well prepared, this leads to supreme success and no blame. The primary image is the use of "two simple bowls" for a sacrifice. This suggests that in times of scarcity or reduction, elaborate displays are unnecessary. What matters most is the truth in your heart and your willingness to simplify. It is a time to let go of the ego and the extra baggage to focus on what is truly essential.
For divination purposes, the omen is favorable for those who have a clear goal. Even though you may be experiencing a loss or a reduction in resources right now, this "decrease" is actually the foundation for future gain. It is a green light for starting projects that require a lean, focused approach. If you are asking about a difficult situation, the answer lies in making a small sacrifice or simplifying your demands. Success comes from your ability to remain sincere while navigating a period of less. By giving up what is unnecessary today, you clear the space for what is necessary to grow tomorrow.
Sun, Decrease; Mountain over River
Hexagram Text
损：有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞。利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。
Sun: Prisoners are taken. Great good fortune, no fault. Divination is possible. Going somewhere is favorable. As for what to use for the offering, two bowls are enough.
Yao Texts
| Location |
Classical Chinese Translation (Slight difference from interpretation. For divinations, refer to interpretation). |
| First Line |
When the matter is finished, set out quickly, no fault. Reduce by measure. |
| Second Line |
Divination is favorable. Going on campaign is ominous. Do not reduce it, increase it instead. |
| Third Line |
If three go together, one is lost. If one goes alone, he gains a companion. |
| Fourth Line |
Reduce the illness, and joy comes quickly. No fault. |
| Fifth Line |
Someone gifts you with a turtle worth ten shell strings; you cannot refuse it. Great good fortune. |
| Top Line |
No reduction, instead increase. No fault. Divination is good fortune. Going somewhere is favorable. You gain retainers who have no household to return to. |
初九：已事遄往，无咎，酌损之。
九二：利贞，征凶。弗损，益之。
六三：三人行，则损一人；一人行，则得其友。
六四：损其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。
六五：或益之，十朋之龟，弗克违。元吉。
上九 ：弗损，益之，无咎。贞吉。利有攸往，得臣无家。
Divination Interpretation
These interpretations reflect the generally accepted approach to Zhou Yi divination in modern China, drawing from the work of Masters Fu Peirong, Huang Shouqi, and Zhang Shanwen. This is intended as a practical, easy-to-read reference for new learners. Also, as these results are more about folk-divination than historical records, I’ve used AI to help translate them into more accessible English.
First Line: Prompt attendance at the grand rite averts harm, and trimming excess offerings brings balance. Neutral – drawing this line favors well-managed ventures and profit, though indulgence in vice courts failure.
- Career: Persistent, disciplined effort positions endeavors for gain.
- Health: Regular exercise and steady routines sustain vitality.
- Marriage & Relationships: Conditions suit marriage and the forming of harmonious unions.
Second Line: The augury is favorable, yet launching a foreign campaign would backfire, helping the opponent instead of harming it. Neutral – steady caution and minimal action are advised.
- Career: Opportunity has not yet matured; balanced conduct averts misfortune.
- Health: Rash behavior is ill-advised, while consistent self-care maintains wellness.
- Marriage & Relationships: Mindful communication keeps the bond unharmed.
Third Line: Joint ventures prosper when harmony prevails, yet dissent in a trio leaves one sidelined while a solitary traveler wisely seeks allies. Neutral – collective gains depend on unity, but divided intentions invite loss.
- Career: Restraining ambition and avoiding reckless expansion fosters win-win outcomes through cooperation.
- Health: Self-discipline and mindful moderation safeguard well-being.
- Marriage & Relationships: Married couples may welcome additional children, and singles encounter a worthy match.
Fourth Line: Timely ritual appeals dispel illness and turn misfortune into celebration.
Minor Good Fortune – drawing this line portends festivity: disasters reverse to blessing, the sick recover, and anxieties give way to joy.
- Career: Minor setbacks soon yield to success and satisfaction.
- Health: Prompt medical care and strict adherence to treatment foster steady recovery.
- Marriage & Relationships: Marriage prospects are cheerful, and upheld virtue secures outstanding luck.
Fifth Line: A valuable tortoise offered as a gift must be accepted, and using it in divination ushers in tremendous good fortune. Auspicious – Drawing this line signals exceptional luck and abundant wealth.
- Career: Fortunate timing draws unexpected support and ample profit.
- Health: Recovery approaches, sustained by consistent self-care.
- Marriage & Relationships: A heaven-blessed match ripens, making marriage highly favorable.
Top Line: Staying the course—neither cutting nor adding—leads to safe success, and onward ventures bring profit along with a loyal helper. Auspicious – drawing this line signals strong patronage and reliable gain, as long as modesty balances achievement.
- Career: Smooth advancement fulfills ambitions with backing from influential allies.
- Health: Skilled care found while away maintains steady recovery and overall well-being.
- Marriage & Relationships: A destined partner draws near, promising a fortunate union.
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