I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 11 with Changing Lines 5, 6 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 11.5.6 -> 9

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 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.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"城复于隍,勿用师,自邑告命,贞吝。"
(Chéng fù yú huáng, wù yòng shī, zì yì gào mìng, zhēn lìn.)
English Translation:
“The wall falls back into the moat. Do not use armies. Issue commands within your own city. Perseverance brings regret.”

This line warns of a return to disorder, symbolized by the walls collapsing back into the moat. It advises against relying on force or external measures to restore peace. Instead, it suggests handling issues internally, focusing on wise governance within one's own sphere. If one persists in rigid methods without addressing underlying issues, regret will follow. The message emphasizes that true peace requires balanced and thoughtful actions rather than mere outward control.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜,亨。密云不雨,自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上,小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team