Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 4
Opposites becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
Wind below the mountain appears as lines one, three and four move; the figure is 18 Loss, Then Gain. Both judgments are read in balance. Opposites asks you to accept that you're among people unlike you, to aim for small things, and to keep your own nature while working toward something shared. The resulting hexagram admits that mistakes have led to a decline, and says that recognizing them and correcting what's needed leads back to success, if you reflect on the causes and give results time. Together they suggest that part of the opposition you face comes from your own errors. Look honestly at where you contributed to the rift. Fix what you can, without blaming everything on others. Then be patient. Repair across differences takes time, but it's possible, and it tends to last.
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 38 Opposites
You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.
In small matters, good fortune.
- 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 1 of 38 Opposites
Don't try to join with anyone by force; it's important to recognize differences, however large. Even if someone close to you pulls away for a while, let them go: they'll come back on their own.
Regret vanishes. The horse is lost: do not chase it; it comes back by itself. Seeing wicked people: no fault.
- Line 3 of 38 Opposites
Even if conditions turn against you and you're even attacked, staying true to yourself and to those you admire will lead you to success.
Sees the cart dragged back, the ox held fast; the driver, branded on the forehead, nose cut off. No beginning, but an end.
- Line 4 of 38 Opposites
Keeping to yourself in this time of opposition will help you find people who are truly like you and achieve success.
Alone in opposition, meets a worthy man; they trust each other. Danger. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 38 Oppositeslines 1, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Opposites
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, and 3
- 23The Falllines 1, 2, and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, and 4
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 3, and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2, 3, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 4, and 5
- 42Increaselines 2, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 3, 4, and 5
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, and 6
- 7The Armylines 1, 4, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 3, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 5, and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 2, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.