I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 12 with Changing Lines 3, 5 to Hexagram 56

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 12.3.5 -> 56

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

12. Standstill

Yang Yin Yang Yang Yin Yin

56. The Wanderer

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包羞。"
(Bāo xiū.)
English Translation:
“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 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:

56. The Wanderer (旅 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 56

Hexagram 旅 (Lǚ) represents the wanderer, one who travels and is not rooted in a single place. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must adapt to unfamiliar circumstances, relying on resourcefulness and resilience. Success comes from knowing when to move on and how to navigate changing environments.

Hexagram 56 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅，小亨，旅貞吉。"
(Lǚ, xiǎo hēng, lǚ zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“The Wanderer. Small success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the wanderer.”

This hexagram advises that while traveling or navigating unfamiliar situations, success comes from perseverance and adaptability. Although the progress may be small, by remaining flexible and resourceful, good fortune follows.

Hexagram 56 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有火，旅。君子以明慎用刑，而不留狱。"
(Shān shàng yǒu huǒ, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shèn yòng xíng, ér bù liú yù.)
English Translation:
“Fire on the mountain: The image of The Wanderer. The superior person is clear-minded and careful in the use of punishment, avoiding holding prisoners for long.”

The image of fire on the mountain represents a time of transience and impermanence. The superior person, like the wanderer, remains clear-minded and cautious, taking decisive action but not becoming too attached to any single place or situation.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team