Transformation · line 4
Loss, Then Gain becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
The fourth line moves, and the mountain above becomes Fire: wood now burns beneath a cauldron. This line warns that a weak character, one that keeps letting stronger personalities lead, won't succeed. The old image is of indulging what the father spoiled, letting the damage stand, and going on from there brings distress. The movement leads to 50 The Vessel of Nourishment, a time of natural change, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame of enthusiasm lit and be clear about the resources you have. The two meet on a point of ownership. Change can come gently, but only if you're the one tending the fire. Stop deferring to whoever speaks loudest. Decide what needs fixing and take responsibility for it. Gentle change still needs someone with a firm hand on the pot.
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.
- 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 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.
Great good fortune. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 18 Loss, Then Gainline 4
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.