I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 11 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 11.2.3.5 -> 3

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

11. Peace

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

11. Peace (泰 Tài)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 11

Hexagram 泰 (Tài) symbolizes peace and harmony. This hexagram represents a time when heaven and earth are in perfect balance, and all things function smoothly. It signifies a period of prosperity, ease, and stability.

Hexagram 11 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"泰，小往大来，吉亨。"
(Tài, xiǎo wǎng dà lái, jí hēng.)
English Translation:
“Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune and success.”

This hexagram signifies a time of transition when small, petty concerns fall away, and larger, more significant matters take their place. It is a time of prosperity and harmony, where everything flows smoothly, bringing good fortune and success.

Hexagram 11 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地交泰，后以财成天地之道，辅相天地之宜，以左右民。"
(Tiān dì jiāo tài, hòu yǐ cái chéng tiān dì zhī dào, fǔ xiāng tiān dì zhī yí, yǐ zuǒ yòu mín.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth unite: The image of Peace. The ruler completes the cycle of heaven and earth, supports harmony, and ensures the welfare of the people.”

The image of heaven and earth in harmony represents a time when all elements work together in perfect balance. The wise ruler uses this time to support and enhance the natural order, ensuring that the people prosper and that peace and harmony are maintained.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包荒，用冯河，不遐遗，朋亡，得尚于中行。"
(Bāo huāng, yòng féng hé, bù xiá yí, péng wáng, dé shàng yú zhōng xíng.)
English Translation:
“Tolerating disorder, crossing the great river with strength. No misfortune. Companions disappear, but one finds support in the middle way.”

This line speaks of tolerance and strength in times of transition. By tolerating minor difficulties and forging ahead, one can avoid misfortune. Even if companions fall away, staying true to the middle path brings support and success.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"无平不陂，无往不复，艰贞无咎，勿恤其孚，于食有福。"
(Wú píng bù bēi, wú wǎng bù fù, jiān zhēn wú jiù, wù xù qí fú, yú shí yǒu fú.)
English Translation:
“No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. Perseverance in difficult times brings no blame. Do not worry about sincerity. You will enjoy prosperity in food and blessing.”

This line reminds us that peace is often followed by challenges. Just as plains are followed by slopes, good times may be followed by difficulties. However, perseverance through hardship leads to no blame, and prosperity will follow.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"帝乙归妹，以祉元吉。"
(Dì Yǐ guī mèi, yǐ zhǐ yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“The ruler marries off his younger sister. Great good fortune and blessings.”

This line speaks of a union, symbolized by a royal marriage, which brings great harmony and blessings. It represents the peaceful joining of forces or groups, leading to prosperity and good fortune.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team