Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Meeting becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
Wind below the mountain: five lines move, leaving only the bottom line still, and that line of the resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, carries the reading. The loss came from being too rigid, from wanting to do things the traditional way; flexibility and innovation lead to success. The resulting hexagram describes mistakes that brought decline, and the way back: admit them, make the corrections needed, reflect on what caused the loss and give success time to arrive. Coming from Meeting, this suggests the gathering, or your way of approaching it, has fallen into old patterns that no longer work. Look honestly at what went wrong. Be willing to try something new, even if it breaks with habit. Then be patient. Repair takes time, but done honestly it tends to lead back to good results, and to a stronger circle than before.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
The loss came from being too rigid and wanting to do things the traditional way. If you can be flexible and innovate, you'll succeed.
Setting right what the father spoiled. There is a son; the late father is left without fault. Danger; in the end, good fortune.
- The judgment of 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 2 of 45 Meeting
Hidden networks are at work so that you meet like-minded people. Let circumstances guide you and connect with your inner self.
Being drawn in brings good fortune. No fault. If there is sincere trust, it is favorable to make the simple offering.
- Line 3 of 45 Meeting
You're trying to meet with people who aren't willing. If you look for someone who can bring you closer to that group, you'll get help.
Gathering, sighing. Nothing is favorable. Going: no fault. Small distress.
- Line 4 of 45 Meeting
When you act without selfish aims and on behalf of someone above you, you're rewarded.
Great good fortune. No fault.
- Line 5 of 45 Meeting
You meet like-minded people, but also people who are somewhat wary of you. It's important to win their trust to reach your goals.
Gathering in one's place. No fault. Where there is no trust, a great and lasting constancy: regret vanishes.
- Line 6 of 45 Meeting
You're trying to join someone who doesn't want to join you. Letting your sorrow show may make them reconsider, and you'll get what you want.
Sighs and laments, tears and a running nose. No fault.
- 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 → 45 Meetinglines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Meeting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.