I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 10 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 18

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 10.1.3.4.5 -> 18

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

10. Treading

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yang Yin

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

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 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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"夬履，贞厉。"
(Guài lǚ, zhēn lì.)
English Translation:
“Resolute treading. Perseverance brings danger.”

This line suggests a bold and resolute approach, but warns that too much force or rigidity can lead to danger. Perseverance must be tempered with caution to avoid overstepping bounds and causing harm.

Changing to:

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
English Translation:
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”

This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”

The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team