I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 12 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 41

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 12.1.2.4.5 -> 41

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

12. Standstill

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yang

41. Decrease

12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 12

Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.

Hexagram 12 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
English Translation:
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”

In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.

Hexagram 12 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”

The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"拔茅茹，以其汇，贞吉，亨。"
(Bá máo rú, yǐ qí huì, zhēn jí, hēng.)
English Translation:
“Pulling up grass by the roots. Unity brings success. Perseverance brings good fortune and success.”

This line speaks of unity and collaboration. By working together, just as grass is pulled up by the roots, success is achieved. Perseverance through difficult times brings good fortune.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包承，小人吉，大人否亨。"
(Bāo chéng, xiǎo rén jí, dà rén pǐ hēng.)
English Translation:
“She bears with things. The small person has good fortune; the superior person cannot act, though success is possible.”

This line describes someone enduring the situation patiently. In times of stagnation, the small or lesser person may find ways to succeed, while the superior person is prevented from making progress. Success is still possible with patience.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有命，无咎，畴离祉。"
(Yǒu mìng, wú jiù, chóu lí zhǐ.)
English Translation:
“There is a mandate. No blame. Those who work together are blessed.”

This line speaks of a mandate or destiny that helps guide the situation. Those who unite or work together during difficult times will find that they are blessed and avoid blame. Collaboration brings relief.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，系于苞桑。"
(Xiū pǐ, dà rén jí. Qí wáng qí wáng, xì yú bāo sāng.)
English Translation:
“Turning away from standstill. The superior person brings good fortune. If there are losses, they are like branches from a mulberry tree.”

This line describes the possibility of moving away from the stagnation. The superior person brings good fortune by helping others. Any losses are minor, like leaves or branches falling from a tree, and do not harm the whole.

Changing to:

41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 41

Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Hexagram 41 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Hexagram 41 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
English Translation:
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team