Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Loss, Then Gain becomes Biting
What this change means
Four lines move, and the figure becomes thunder under fire: a bite that closes on what's in the way. The reading rests on the still lines of 21 Biting, the fifth and sixth. The fifth says that when you correct mistakes others have made, being steady and impartial gets results. The sixth warns that insisting on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice or warnings leads to failure. That suits the theme of repair. Some of what needs fixing may not be your own doing, and you're asked to handle it fairly, without favoritism or anger. At the same time, check yourself: are you ignoring warnings? The resulting hexagram calls for firm, decisive action with clear limits. Act with energy, judge evenly, and listen when someone tells you you're heading the wrong way.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 21 Biting, which stays still
When you correct mistakes others have made, be steady and impartial, and you'll get results.
Biting dried meat, finding yellow gold. Constancy is in danger. No fault.
- Line 6 of 21 Biting, which stays still
Insisting on staying on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice or warnings will lead you to failure.
A wooden collar on the neck, the ears lost from sight. 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.
- 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.
- Line 2 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
Your losses come from weakness, from not persevering. Reflecting and taking up the path again with resolve will bring success.
Setting right what the mother spoiled. Constancy will not do.
- Line 3 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
Acting too rigidly in the past has led you to loss, but holding on to that rigidity to fix it won't help either.
Setting right what the father spoiled. A little regret; no great fault.
- Line 4 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
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 21 Biting
It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.
Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 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.