Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 6
Loss, Then Gain becomes Clearing Obstacles
What this change means
Thunder and rain break loose as the third, fourth and top lines move. The two judgments share the weight. In 18 Loss, Then Gain, a decline is traced to its cause, corrected and allowed to heal over time. 40 Clearing Obstacles says the obstacles have been overcome one by one, and now balance matters: act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating yourself, and rest or step back if you need to. The image adds pardon for mistakes and leniency toward wrongs. The common ground is release. Much of the repair is done. What's left is to move with energy, and to forgive, yourself and others, for what caused the damage. Holding on to blame would keep the knot tied. Act where the way is open, rest when you're tired, and let the past go.
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 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
- 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 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
40 Clearing Obstacles → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 3, 4, 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
- 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.