I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 12 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 12.1.4.5.6 -> 24

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

12. Standstill

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

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 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.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"倾否，先否后喜。"
(Qīng pǐ, xiān pǐ hòu xǐ.)
English Translation:
“Overturning the standstill. First there is standstill, then joy.”

This line speaks of the eventual resolution of the stagnation. Although times are difficult at first, they will eventually give way to joy and success. The standstill can be overturned with patience.

Changing to:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team