Transformation · line 1
Loss, Then Gain becomes Great Achievements
What this change means
The first line moves, and the Wind under the mountain becomes Heaven: strength now gathers where there was only a breeze. This line traces the loss to rigidity, to insisting on doing things the traditional way. The old image is a child setting right what the father spoiled, so that the late father is left without fault; there's danger in it, but the end is good. In plain terms, be flexible and willing to innovate, and repair can begin. The movement leads to 26 Great Achievements, a moment to leave your comfort zone and take on actions beyond what you think you can do, because you have the qualities needed. That's the gift of letting go of the old method. Respect what came before you, but don't repeat its mistakes. A new way of working is what turns a decline in 18 Loss, Then Gain into something larger.
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
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.
- 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 26 Great Achievements
It's a good moment to leave your comfort zone and take on new actions, beyond what you think you can do. Heaven favors unusual actions that will lead you to success, because you have the qualities needed.
Constancy is favorable. Not eating at home brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
26 Great Achievements → 18 Loss, Then Gainline 1
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.