Transformation · lines 2 and 4
Loss, Then Gain becomes The Traveler
What this change means
Fire on the mountain is the new image as the second and fourth lines move. The fourth leads, warning that a weak character which lets stronger personalities lead it won't succeed; leaving old harm alone brings distress. The second line touches the same weakness from another side: losses born of giving up too soon, which you can mend by thinking things over and setting out again with determination. Both lines ask for backbone. The movement opens onto 56 The Traveler, a time of change, new places or situations, small achievements, and a light, flexible attitude. That's an interesting pairing. You may need to move on, physically or otherwise, and you'll be among strangers. Go with resolve. Keep your own direction as you travel, and don't let the strongest personality in each new place decide it for you. Let go of attachments, but not of yourself.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 56 The Traveler
It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.
Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
56 The Traveler → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 2
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 3
- 23The Falllines 2 and 3
- 14Wealthlines 1 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 3 and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2 and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 3 and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 4 and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 1 and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 2 and 6
- 7The Armylines 3 and 6
- 32What Lastslines 4 and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.