I Ching hexagram
41. Sacrifice
損Sǔn
Mountain over Lake
Also called Decrease, The Symbol of Lessening, Loss, Diminishing, Reduction, Diminution of Excesses, Decline, Bringing into Balance, Dynamic Balance, Sacrifice, "Not necessarily material loss. Can mean decreasing the lower self to increase the higher." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 41, Sacrifice (損 Sǔn) is formed by Mountain over Lake. It is also known as Decrease, The Symbol of Lessening, Loss, Diminishing, Reduction, Diminution of Excesses, Decline, Bringing into Balance.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
有孚，元吉，无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。
Compensating Sacrifice means that sincerely maintained rectitude brings great success. Action is appropriate if one's sacrifice is sincere, even two baskets of grain, though there be nothing else, may be offered.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yang
已事遄往，无咎，酌損之。
When you can assist others or receive help, ensure that moderation is your guide. Excess in giving or receiving can lead to imbalances. Take time to think it through before taking action.
- Line 2Yang
利貞，征凶，弗損益之。
While helping others, maintain your dignity. If your efforts compromise your strength or principles, or if you diminish your true self to please someone else, you act shamefully. Only actions that uphold your integrity are valuable.
- Line 3Yin
三人行，則損一人；一人行，則得其友。
The strongest connections can currently exist only between two people. Groups of three can lead to jealousy and mistrust, causing splits. However, solitude can lead to loneliness, prompting a desire for companionship. It's time to find balance.
- Line 4Yin
損其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。
If you can identify your flaws and make a genuine effort to reduce them, you will attract friends and supporters. A humble approach will pave the way for positive interactions and happiness.
- Line 5Yin
或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。
You are destined for something significant, and nothing can hinder this. It arises from refined inner strengths that have brought you here. Do not fear this path. Good fortune is on your side.
- Line 6Yang
弗損益之，无咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。
Broaden your ambitions to include a more universal cause. This will invite support from others. Your achievements will elevate your public status, and you may find this new role rewarding and beneficial to many.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 41 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.