Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Adapting becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
All six lines move, and every part of the figure turns over: Thunder becomes Wind, the Lake becomes Mountain, and adapting gives way to repair. With every line in motion, the reading rests on the judgment of 18 Loss, Then Gain. It speaks of mistakes that have brought you into decline, and says that admitting them and making the needed corrections can lead you back to success. It asks you to think about where the loss came from, and then, having acted, to let the good results come at their own pace. The link to the starting hexagram is clear. Following, done carelessly, can mean following the wrong people or the wrong habits for too long. This is the moment to look at that honestly. Name what went wrong, fix what you can, and be patient with the recovery. Correction, not blame, is the way through.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 3 of 17 Adapting
People or situations that weren't good for you are moving away. Don't regret it: this clears the way for what is new and right for you to come closer.
Cling to the grown man, lose the boy. Following, what is sought is found. Abiding in constancy is favorable.
- Line 4 of 17 Adapting
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, 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.