Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6
Excesses becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
The upper trigram turns from Lake to Mountain as the fourth, fifth and top lines move, and wind now blows at the mountain's foot. The two judgments are read as a pair. Excesses warns of a load beyond normal: without stronger foundations and inventive action, loss is hard to avoid. The resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, says mistakes have already brought decline, but admitting them and making corrections can lead back to success; take time to reflect on the causes and give the improvement time. Together they describe repair after overload. Some of the sagging is the result of earlier choices. Name them honestly, without blame or excuses. Then fix what caused them, reinforce what's left, and be patient. Recovery tends to follow correction, but not instantly.
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 28 Excesses
You're in a situation that calls for extraordinary measures to keep what you've achieved from collapsing. Check and strengthen the foundations that hold up your projects, take innovative action and step out of your comfort zone. That way your success is assured; otherwise, loss can't be avoided.
The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. Success.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 28 Excesses
You can receive help from those under you now, but if you take advantage of it and there's no balance between giving and receiving, they'll withdraw their support and there will be loss.
The ridgepole rises. Good fortune. If there is something else, distress.
- Line 5 of 28 Excesses
When you focus on strengthening ties with those above you but forget to pay attention to those you lead, your success will be limited.
The withered poplar puts out flowers. An old woman takes a young husband. No fault, no praise.
- Line 6 of 28 Excesses
When, despite the drawbacks, you decide to take on extraordinary undertakings, you'll be exposed to danger and loss, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything in your power.
Wading too far, the water closes over the crown of the head. Misfortune. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 28 Excesseslines 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Excesses
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 63After the Endlines 1, 2, and 4
- 60Thriftlines 1, 3, and 4
- 8Unionlines 2, 3, and 4
- 55Abundancelines 1, 2, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 3, and 5
- 16Passionlines 2, 3, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 2, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 3, 4, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 3, and 6
- 12Declinelines 2, 3, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 3, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.