Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Gradual Progress becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
The fifth and second lines move, and the figure becomes Wind below the Mountain, an image of something that has gone stale and needs repair. The fifth line leads: you're cut off, hostile voices spread misunderstandings, and the wise response is to wait calmly. The second line recalls a modest success and a chance to rest. The resulting hexagram, 18 Loss, Then Gain, asks you to look honestly at what went wrong. Mistakes may have contributed to this decline; naming them and making the needed corrections can lead back to success. Use the pause well. Reflect on the causes of the loss, put right what you can, and then give the improvement time to show. Rest renews your strength, and the waiting becomes a period of repair rather than idle worry. Gain follows correction, not hurry.
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 53 Gradual Progress
In the middle of your progress you're cut off, and hostile people stir up misunderstandings around you. All you can do is wait calmly for this to pass; it will pass on its own.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the hill. For three years the wife does not conceive; in the end nothing overcomes her. Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 53 Gradual Progress
You'll have a first success as you move forward. Nothing spectacular, but it will let you rest and recharge to keep going.
The wild goose moves by degrees to the boulder. It eats and drinks with joy. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 53 Gradual Progress
You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.
The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.
- 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 → 53 Gradual Progresslines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Gradual Progress
- 9Small Thingslines 1 and 2
- 42Increaselines 1 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1 and 4
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2 and 4
- 12Declinelines 3 and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 5
- 23The Falllines 3 and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 4 and 5
- 63After the Endlines 1 and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 2 and 6
- 8Unionlines 3 and 6
- 31Attractionlines 4 and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.