Transformation · lines 1, 5, and 6
Loss, Then Gain becomes Inaction
What this change means
Clouds gather over heaven as the first, fifth and top lines move. The two judgments are read together. 18 Loss, Then Gain treats decline as something that can be undone, through a frank admission, the right corrections and the patience to let results come. 5 Inaction says it's time to wait rather than act, though waiting means preparing: look at conditions without lying to yourself, stay calm, and watch for the signal to move. The meeting point is the second half of the starting judgment, giving success time to arrive. You may have done the repair already. Now resist the urge to keep tinkering or to force the outcome. Prepare for the active period ahead, rest, enjoy what's good, and let things ripen in their own time. Patience after correction is part of the correction.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 5 Inaction
It's time to wait, not to act. Waiting doesn't mean standing still, though: it's a good time to prepare for the active period that's coming. A calm, relaxed attitude will lead you to success: look at the conditions without lying to yourself, and stay alert so you know when it's time to act. Destiny follows its own course.
There is sincere trust. Shining success. Constancy brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- 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 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.
- Line 6 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
If you have high goals, beyond purely personal interests, and let them drive you, you'll succeed.
Serving neither kings nor lords; holding one's own work high.
The trigrams
The way back
5 Inaction → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, and 4
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, and 5
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 3, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 3, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 4, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.