I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 10 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 39

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 10.1.2.3.4.6 -> 39

Old Yang Young Yang Old Yang Old Yin Old Yang Old Yang

10. Treading

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin

39. Obstruction

10. Treading (履 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☱ Dui (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 10

Hexagram 履 (Lǚ) represents careful treading or walking. It emphasizes caution in behavior and the need for sensitivity to the conditions around you. Success comes from walking the line between boldness and discretion.

Hexagram 10 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"履虎尾，不咥人，亨。"
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)
English Translation:
“Treading on the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.”

This hexagram speaks of treading in a dangerous situation, like walking on a tiger's tail. However, if one proceeds cautiously and with respect, no harm will come, and success can be achieved.

Hexagram 10 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"上天下泽，履。君子以辨上下，定民志。"
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)
English Translation:
“Heaven above, the lake below: The image of Treading. The superior person discriminates between high and low, and strengthens the people’s resolve.”

The image of heaven above and the lake below suggests a balance between different forces. The superior person walks carefully, recognizing the hierarchy of forces and ensuring that the people’s resolve is firm. It is about maintaining balance and discernment.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"素履，往无咎。"
(Sù lǚ, wǎng wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Simple treading. Going forward brings no blame.”

This line suggests that simple, honest behavior brings no harm. By walking humbly and avoiding excess, one can proceed without danger or blame.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。"
(Lǚ dào tǎn tǎn, yōu rén zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Treading a smooth path. The recluse’s perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes a smooth and straightforward path. It suggests that those who follow their inner principles (like the recluse) and stay true to themselves will experience good fortune. Perseverance in simplicity brings success.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾，咥人，凶。武人为于大君。"
(Miǎo néng shì, bǒ néng lǚ, lǚ hǔ wěi, dié rén, xiōng. Wǔ rén wéi yú dà jūn.)
English Translation:
“A one-eyed man can see, a lame man can walk. Treading on the tail of the tiger, it bites the man. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great lord.”

This line warns of the dangers of overconfidence. A person with limitations (one-eyed or lame) may still be capable, but treading recklessly will result in harm. The image of treading on the tiger’s tail represents the risk of provoking danger. Overstepping boundaries can lead to misfortune.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"履虎尾，愬愬，终吉。"
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, sù sù, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Treading on the tail of the tiger. Cautious and apprehensive. In the end, good fortune.”

This line emphasizes the need for caution and awareness in dangerous situations. By remaining alert and not being reckless, one can avoid harm and achieve success. Careful treading leads to a positive outcome.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"视履考祥，其旋元吉。"
(Shì lǚ kǎo xiáng, qí xuán yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“Observing treading and inspecting the signs. It is favorable to turn around and reflect. Great good fortune.”

This line speaks of taking time to reflect on one’s actions and behavior. By carefully observing the path and being willing to make adjustments, one can achieve great good fortune. Reflection and mindfulness lead to success.

Changing to:

39. Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 39

Hexagram 蹇 (Jiǎn) symbolizes obstacles or obstructions. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or impediments on one's path. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and knowing when to retreat and when to push forward.

Hexagram 39 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇，利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。"
(Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest, not favorable to go northeast. It is beneficial to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises adjusting one's direction when facing obstacles. Success comes from going with the flow (symbolized by the southwest) rather than forcing one's way forward. Meeting with a wise person and persevering brings good fortune.

Hexagram 39 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
English Translation:
“Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. The superior person turns inward and cultivates virtue.”

The image of water on a mountain represents difficulties or obstacles that prevent easy progress. The superior person uses this time to turn inward, cultivating inner strength and virtue while waiting for the right time to act.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team