I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 13 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 3
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 13.3.4.6 -> 3
13. Fellowship with Men (同人 Tóng Rén)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 13
Hexagram 同人 (Tóng Rén) represents fellowship, unity, and cooperation with others. It emphasizes the importance of joining with others to achieve common goals. This hexagram encourages open communication, mutual respect, and working together.
Hexagram 13 Judgment
"同人于野,亨。利涉大川,利君子贞。"
(Tóng rén yú yě, hēng. Lì shè dà chuān, lì jūn zǐ zhēn.)
“Fellowship with men in the open. Success. It is favorable to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior person brings success.”
This hexagram encourages open, harmonious relationships with others, especially in shared endeavors. Success comes from unity. It also suggests that it is a favorable time to undertake great challenges or cross difficult obstacles. Perseverance and collaboration bring success.
Hexagram 13 Image
"天火同人。君子以类族辨物。"
(Tiān huǒ tóng rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ lèi zú biàn wù.)
“Heaven together with fire: The image of Fellowship with Men. The superior person organizes and clarifies the differences between people and things.”
The image of fire and heaven represents the joining of forces. The superior person understands how to bring together diverse groups and individuals, recognizing their differences while fostering unity. It advises clear communication and understanding to achieve harmony.
Line 3 Changing
"伏戎于莽,升其高陵,三岁不兴。"
(Fú róng yú mǎng, shēng qí gāo líng, sān suì bù xīng.)
“Hiding the army in the underbrush. Rising to the high hill. For three years, nothing is accomplished.”
This line describes a time of inactivity or hesitation. By remaining hidden and failing to act, opportunities for progress are lost. It advises against isolation and urges taking action instead of waiting passively.
Line 4 Changing
"乘其墉,弗克攻,吉。"
(Chéng qí yōng, fú kè gōng, jí.)
“Climbing up the city wall but unable to attack. Good fortune.”
This line suggests a situation where force or confrontation is not the right approach. Instead, restraint and patience lead to good fortune. Sometimes not attacking is the best way to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.
Line 6 Changing
"同人于郊,无悔。"
(Tóng rén yú jiāo, wú huǐ.)
“Fellowship with men in the outskirts. No regret.”
This line speaks of expanding fellowship beyond one’s immediate circle to include those in more distant or different areas. By reaching out and forming connections with others outside the usual group, success is achieved, and there is no regret.
Changing to:
3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 3
Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.
Hexagram 3 Judgment
"元亨,利贞,勿用有攸往,利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”
The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.
Hexagram 3 Image
"云雷,屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”
The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team