What this change means
Wind is trapped beneath a mountain as the second, third, fifth and top lines move, and something in the alliance needs repair. The bottom and fourth lines don't move, and they explain what to do. The first says the loss came from rigidity and from insisting on doing things the traditional way; flexibility and innovation lead to success. The fourth warns that a weak character, letting stronger personalities lead you, won't succeed.
The resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, says mistakes have caused a decline, but admitting them and making corrections can bring you back; reflect on the cause, act, and give results time. So two errors are named, rigidity and dependence. Change the methods that no longer work, and stand on your own judgment within the alliance. Watch for following a stronger partner out of habit. Flexible thinking and a firmer backbone together tend to repair what was lost.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
The loss came from being too rigid and wanting to do things the traditional way. If you can be flexible and innovate, you'll succeed.
Setting right what the father spoiled. There is a son; the late father is left without fault. Danger; in the end, good fortune.
- 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 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- Line 2 of 8 Union
When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.
Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 8 Union
You tend to choose badly the people you join with. Avoid shallow alliances that won't bear good fruit.
Joining with those who are not the right ones.
- Line 5 of 8 Union
Those who can help you will come naturally. Don't keep seeking help from someone who is reluctant to give it.
Open union. The king hunts, driving from three sides, and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople are not alarmed. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 8 Union
If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.
Joining with no head. Misfortune.
- 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 → 8 Unionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Union
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.