Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 5
Loss, Then Gain becomes Leaving Behind
What this change means
A mountain under heaven appears when the second, fourth and fifth lines change. Both judgments carry the reading. The starting situation asks you to own the errors that brought you down and to correct them, then to let recovery take its course instead of forcing it. 33 Leaving Behind says that stepping back from a path right now isn't bad; it can restore your strength and give you room to think about how to set things right. What looks like a loss may become a gain if you let go of what doesn't serve you. The two meet in the idea of a strategic retreat. Sometimes the repair begins by leaving the situation that caused the damage. Step back without bitterness, rest, see clearly, and return later in the right direction. Don't confuse retreat with defeat.
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 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
- 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 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 trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 4, and 5
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
- 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
- 5Inactionlines 1, 5, 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.