Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4

Loss, Then Gain becomes The Flame

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Brightness doubles as the first, second and fourth lines move, and both trigrams become Fire. The two judgments carry the reading. The starting hexagram speaks of setting right what has been spoiled: own the mistakes, think about what caused them, act, and then let success take its time. 30 The Flame describes clarity, an inner self that guides you toward your goals, and a generosity that shares its light and increases your gains. The meeting point is understanding. Repair turns into progress when you see clearly why things went wrong. Without that clarity, corrections are guesses. So shed light on the causes first, honestly. Then let that understanding guide your next steps, and share what you've learned. A mistake understood becomes a source of light, for you and for others who might be about to make it.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 30 The Flame

    There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.

    Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Wind Fire
Above Mountain Fire

The way back

30 The Flame → 18 Loss, Then Gain
lines 1, 2, and 4

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.

Toss the coins