Transformation · lines 4 and 5
Lack of Firmness becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
A mountain stands over the wind as the fifth and fourth lines move. The fifth leads, and it credits you with enough inner worth to change difficult people, and some of your own worst habits too. The fourth adds that some difficult people are better kept near, provided you hold your limits, since they may be useful later. Lack of Firmness warns against letting such influences take control. The resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, says mistakes have brought decline, but admitting them and making the needed corrections can lead back to success, given time. Together they suggest the problem is already partly real. Something has been lost through letting the wrong things in. Look at what caused it, without blaming yourself endlessly. Correct what you can, transform what you can't remove, and give the repair time to work.
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 44 Lack of Firmness
Right now, thanks to your inner worth, you're able to transform unsuitable people and even your own harmful habits.
Willow branches wrap the melon. Beauty kept within: something falls from heaven.
- Line 4 of 44 Lack of Firmness
For now it's better to keep adverse people close, as long as you know how to set limits with them; they may be useful to you at some point.
In the wrapping there is no fish. Setting off brings misfortune.
- The judgment of 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 44 Lack of Firmnesslines 4 and 5
Other transformations of Lack of Firmness
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1 and 2
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1 and 3
- 12Declinelines 2 and 3
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2 and 4
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 3 and 4
- 14Wealthlines 1 and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2 and 5
- 64Transitionlines 3 and 5
- 43Overflowinglines 1 and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2 and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 3 and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 4 and 6
- 32What Lastslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.