Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Loss, Then Gain becomes Innocence
What this change means
Five lines move, all but the top, and thunder now rolls beneath heaven. The reading rests on that one still line of 25 Innocence: pushing ahead before conditions are ready leads you off course and puts what you want further away. After so much change, that's the key caution. Repair requires action, but forced action can become a new mistake. The resulting hexagram asks you to act with a pure heart, free of hidden motives and true to what is right, so that good things can reach you; otherwise obstacles arise. So correct what you need to, but with clean intentions and respect for timing. If you notice yourself pushing, ask why. Impatience, pride or a wish to look good can taint even a genuine effort to make things right.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 25 Innocence, which stays still
If you try to force things without waiting for the right conditions, you'll go astray and delay getting what you want.
Without falseness. Moving on brings calamity. Nothing is favorable.
- 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.
- Line 5 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
If you're aware of your weaknesses and vulnerable spots and look for helpers to support you there, you'll gain success and recognition.
Setting right what the father spoiled. It wins praise.
- The judgment of 25 Innocence
If you act with a pure heart, free of hidden motives and without straying from what is right, true to original human nature, you'll let the blessings of heaven reach you. Otherwise you'll meet obstacles and your affairs will become difficult.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. If it is not upright, there is calamity. It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
25 Innocence → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
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.