Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Initial Obstacles becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
Only the fourth line holds still while the other five move, and the figure becomes wind below the mountain, air that has gone stale and needs clearing. That still line of 18 Loss, Then Gain sets the warning. Its warning is direct: as long as you stay pliable and let more forceful people steer you, success stays out of reach. The resulting hexagram speaks of mistakes that have led to decline, and of recovery through admitting them and making corrections.
Coming from 3 Initial Obstacles, where relying on others was wise, this is an important correction. Help is good; being carried along by others is not. Take time to reflect on what caused the losses, then act on your own judgment, and give improvement time to show. Watch for passivity disguised as cooperation. Recovery here depends on you standing on your own feet.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
If you show a weak character and keep letting stronger personalities lead you, you won't succeed.
Indulging what the father spoiled. Going on: distress.
- The judgment of 3 Initial Obstacles
This isn't the time to act directly: look for people who can act for you, allies who represent you. Still, stay alert so you know when the time comes to take back the initiative and control.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. Having somewhere to go is of no use yet. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 1 of 3 Initial Obstacles
It's time to let others act for you.
Hesitating, circling by the rock. Abiding in constancy is favorable. It is favorable to install lords.
- Line 2 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Obstacles are on the way, but help will come. Act with caution until you feel secure and can receive that help.
Stuck, turning in place; the horses of the team pull apart. Not a raider: someone come to ask for marriage. The young woman is constant and gives no promise; after ten years she gives it.
- Line 3 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Right now obstacles aren't solved by acting: they're solved by stepping back until conditions improve.
Chasing the deer with no gamekeeper, only going deeper into the forest. The noble person sees the sign and would rather let it go. Going on: distress.
- Line 5 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Act with caution, step by step, without rushing.
Holding back its richness. In small things, constancy brings good fortune; in great things, even with constancy, misfortune.
- Line 6 of 3 Initial Obstacles
Despite the obstacles, don't give up or lose heart.
The horses of the team pull apart. Weeping blood, in endless streams.
- The judgment of 18 Loss, Then Gain
You've made mistakes that have brought you into decline; still, admitting it and making the corrections needed will lead you back to success. Take time to reflect on what caused the loss and, once you've acted, give success time to arrive.
Great success. It is favorable to cross the great river. Three days before the first day, three days after the first day.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 3 Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Initial Obstacles
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.