I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 10 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 27

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 10.2.4.5 -> 27

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 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:

27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment) (頤 Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 27

Hexagram 頤 (Yí) symbolizes nourishment and the act of taking in what is necessary to sustain life. This hexagram speaks of both physical and spiritual nourishment. Success comes from being mindful of what one consumes and from nurturing others.

Hexagram 27 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"頤,貞吉。觀頤,自求口實。"
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
English Translation:
“Nourishment. Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe how you provide nourishment and seek your own source of sustenance.”

This hexagram advises mindfulness about how one nourishes both body and spirit. It suggests that success comes from being careful about what one consumes—whether food, thoughts, or influences—and also from nurturing others with integrity.

Hexagram 27 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有雷,頤。君子以慎言語,節飲食。"
(Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí.)
English Translation:
“Thunder beneath the mountain: The image of Nourishment. The superior person is careful in their words and moderate in eating and drinking.”

The image of thunder under the mountain represents the need for careful and moderate action. The superior person nourishes themselves by being mindful of what they say and by practicing moderation in all things.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team