I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 10 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 36

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 10.2.3.4.5.6 -> 36

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

10. Treading

Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin Yang

36. Darkening of the Light

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 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 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.

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:

36. Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 36

Hexagram 明夷 (Míng Yí) represents a time when clarity and light are obscured. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or oppression, where one's light is dimmed or hidden. Success comes from remaining patient and inwardly strong while waiting for the right time to act.

Hexagram 36 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷，利艱貞。"
(Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light. It is favorable to persevere in hardship.”

This hexagram advises perseverance during times of difficulty, when clarity and light are obscured. Success comes from remaining inwardly strong and enduring through hardship without losing hope.

Hexagram 36 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"明入地中，明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。"
(Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng.)
English Translation:
“The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. The superior person manages the people by obscuring their brilliance but remaining internally bright.”

The image of light sinking into the earth symbolizes a time of concealment or oppression. The superior person hides their brilliance to protect themselves but continues to maintain clarity and wisdom within.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team