The Meaning of Hexagram #41

Hexagram #41: Mountain over Lake

Like a wooden foundation that has become weak and flimsy, hexagram number 41 signifies a time of instability. Be careful, this could be a time of decreased prosperity. If handled wisely however, the future may hold a simple redistribution of funds. Simplicity and integrity are the keys here. If you reduce your goals, others will support your efforts. Reducing your immediate expectations may be a necessary step toward your greater dreams and aspirations. This is not a time to panic. It is a time to value simplicity and enjoy the natural world.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #41, "Mountain over Lake", can be applied to questions about love, marriage and dating? See iFate's special Hexagram #41 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #41

Changes in Line 1

"Practice Giving"

This is a time to be unselfish. Hasten to your friend's aid. Current problems can be alleviated by sharing what you can. Give of your time and energy, if not with your wallet.

Changes in Line 2

"Cutting Expenses"

Decrease and increase go hand in hand. Decrease in one area implies increase in another. This is a necessary and natural cycle. For instance, cutting expenses may afford an employer the opportunity to increase wages. Trust the flow and changing currents of your finances.

Changes in Line 3

"Sticking Together"

Walk alone and another will soon join you. It is prosperous to band together. But don't over do it. Having one too many on board can lead to problems

Changes in Line 4

"Practicing Humility"

Decreasing your faults leads to true prosperity. Others will assist you and come to celebrate with you, as you assist and celebrate yourself.

Changes in Line 5

"Receiving Turtle Shells"

Be open to receive at this time. Turtle shells symbolize a beautiful gift headed your way. If anything, no matter how small or simple, comes your way, be grateful and receive it with an open heart.

Changes in Line 6

"The Power of Reciprocity"

To give is to receive. Endeavor to share your gifts and talents with the whole world and you will personally benefit in surprising ways.

The 2 Trigrams Inside Hexagram #41

Hexagram #41 is made of two 3-line trigrams layered on top of one another. The bottom three lines of hexagram #41 make up the trigram for Lake, while the upper three lines make up the trigram for Mountain.

NOTE: In general terms, the hexagram's upper trigram points to external forces, while the lower trigram points to internal forces.

Hexagram #41's Lower Trigram of Lake

The blissful trigram representing the lake symbolizes happiness and clarity of thought and communication. Blissful tranquility is referenced here, along with a sense of calm and devotion. The blissful Lake may also point to a 'third daughter' or the map direction west.

Hexagram #41's Upper Trigram of Mountain

The looming and majestic trigram of the mountain represents stillness and something immobile. The trigram of mountain is powerful, silent and eternal. Simultaneously, its effect is calming and non-combative. The trigram of mountain may also represent a 'third son' or the direction of northeast.

Try a free I Ching Reading

iFate's award-winning online I Ching readings have been experienced by millions. Click here to try iFate's popular I Ching Readings now. »

List of all possible changes for hexagram #41

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.