Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Loss, Then Gain becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven above, a lake below: four lines move, the first, third, fourth and fifth, and the figure becomes one of careful steps. The reading turns to the still lines of 10 Treading Carefully, the second and sixth. The second says that staying on your own with your projects, for now, leads to success. The sixth says that watching for favorable signs to know when to act, and then acting decisively, also leads to success. That combination fits a time of repair. Work quietly and independently on what needs fixing, without depending on others' approval. Keep watching the signs. When the moment comes, act firmly. The resulting hexagram describes a difficult situation in which careful, gentle conduct can turn rivals into allies. Move with awareness, keep your own counsel, and let decisive action wait for its signal.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
Staying on your own with your projects, for now, will lead you to success.
Treading a level, open road. For one who lives apart, constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 6 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
If you watch for the favorable signs to know when to act, and then act decisively, you'll succeed.
Looking back over the steps taken, examining the signs. If it turns back on itself: great 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.
- 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 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 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, 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.