I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 12 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 22
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 12.1.3.4.5 -> 22
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
"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.)
“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
"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.)
“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
"拔茅茹，以其汇，贞吉，亨。"
(Bá máo rú, yǐ qí huì, zhēn jí, hēng.)
“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 3 Changing
"包羞。"
(Bāo xiū.)
“Bearing shame.”
This line warns of the risk of shame or dishonor in a time of standstill. Trying to act when the situation is not favorable may result in embarrassment or failure. It advises caution and restraint.
Line 4 Changing
"有命，无咎，畴离祉。"
(Yǒu mìng, wú jiù, chóu lí zhǐ.)
“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
"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.)
“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:
22. Grace (賁 Bì)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 22
Hexagram 賁 (Bì) represents grace, beauty, and adornment. This hexagram speaks of the power of beauty and form in enhancing life. Grace does not replace substance but enhances it.
Hexagram 22 Judgment
"賁，亨，小利有攸往。"
(Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Grace brings success. It is not favorable to take large ventures; small ventures are beneficial.”
This hexagram advises focusing on grace and beauty in one's actions. Small, careful ventures bring success. The hexagram suggests that too much focus on appearance can lead to problems unless substance and action are in balance.
Hexagram 22 Image
"山下有火，賁。君子以明庶政，无敢折獄。"
(Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù.)
“Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. The superior person brings clarity to governance but does not make final judgments.”
The image of fire at the base of the mountain represents the beauty and clarity that come from grace. The superior person focuses on clarity and transparency in governance but does not rush into decisions or judgments.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team