Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 5
Loss, Then Gain becomes Decline
What this change means
Heaven and earth stop meeting as four lines change, the second through the fifth. The reading looks to the still lines of 12 Decline, the first and sixth. The first says that seeing the downturn for what it is, pulling back early and alerting others can lead to success further on. The sixth promises that after a period of stagnation comes growth, well-being and harmony. That's a sober but hopeful reading. The resulting hexagram describes adverse people and situations, a time to keep a low profile and avoid entanglements, whatever they offer. Coming from a hexagram about repair, it asks you to admit that this isn't the moment to fix everything. Step back, warn those who could be hurt, and wait in a safe place. Stagnation doesn't last forever. Your repair work resumes when the season turns.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 12 Decline, which stays still
If you recognize the decline and withdraw in time, warning others about it, you'll succeed later on.
The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Constancy brings good fortune. Success.
- Line 6 of 12 Decline, which stays still
After a period of stagnation comes a stage of growth, well-being and harmony.
Stagnation is overturned. First stagnation, then joy.
- 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 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 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 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
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 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.