Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Loss, Then Gain becomes Gradual Progress
What this change means
The trigrams change places when the second and fifth lines move: the mountain goes below, the wind rises above, and a tree grows on the slope. The fifth line leads, asking you to recognize your vulnerable spots and seek helpers for them, which tends to bring success and the praise the old text mentions. The second line names a specific weakness, not persevering, and asks for reflection and a firm but gentle return to the path. The movement opens onto 53 Gradual Progress, where advance comes step by step, through stages that make it stable, and trying to speed things up brings delays. That's the shape of the repair. With the right support and renewed constancy, you'll make progress, but slowly. Don't measure yourself by how fast you recover. Measure by whether you keep climbing, one rung at a time, with help beside you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
53 Gradual Progress → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 2
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 3
- 23The Falllines 2 and 3
- 14Wealthlines 1 and 4
- 56The Travelerlines 2 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 3 and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1 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.