I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 10
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 10
15. Balancing (謙 Qiān)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
The Symbolism of Hexagram 15
Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) describes a condition in which what is elevated is lowered and what is low is raised, creating balance. It is not self-effacement, but the proper adjustment of excess and deficiency.
Hexagram 15 Judgment
謙亨,君子有終。
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
"Balancing brings smooth progress. The superior person brings it to completion."
When excess is reduced and deficiency is filled, movement becomes smooth. This creates a condition in which processes can continue without disruption.
The superior person carries this adjustment through to its conclusion, ensuring that balance is not temporary but sustained.
Hexagram 15 Image
地中有山,謙。君子以裒多益寡,稱物平施。
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)
"A mountain rises within the earth: balancing. The superior person gathers what is excessive and adds to what is lacking, distributing things according to balance."
The mountain is contained within the earth, its height moderated rather than exposed. This reflects reduction of excess.
Balance is achieved not by equalizing everything blindly, but by measuring and adjusting according to what each situation requires.
Line 1 Changing
謙謙君子,用涉大川,吉。
(Qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.)
"Balanced in balance, the superior person uses this to undertake a major transition. Favorable outcome."
At the beginning, alignment is already established. Because there is no excess or distortion, movement through difficulty is possible.
The crossing succeeds because nothing is carried in imbalance.
Line 2 Changing
鳴謙,貞吉。
(Míng qiān, zhēn jí.)
"Balancing is made evident. Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."
Balance becomes visible outwardly, not hidden. It is recognized through its effects.
Maintaining this state steadily ensures that the condition remains stable and beneficial.
Line 3 Changing
勞謙君子,有終,吉。
(Láo qiān jūn zǐ, yǒu zhōng, jí.)
"Working within balance, the superior person brings it to completion. Favorable outcome."
Balance requires effort to maintain. It is not static, but continuously adjusted through activity.
Because this work is sustained, it leads to completion without disruption.
Line 4 Changing
無不利,撝謙。
(Wú bù lì, huī qiān.)
"Nothing is unfavorable. Guiding through balanced adjustment."
Here, balance is actively directed. Adjustment is applied where needed.
Because it is responsive and measured, there is no disadvantage in any direction.
Line 5 Changing
不富以其鄰,利用侵伐,無不利。
(Bù fù yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.)
"Not enriched at the expense of what is near. It is favorable to correct imbalance. Nothing is unfavorable."
Balance does not allow accumulation that deprives others. Excess must not distort the surrounding field.
Where imbalance persists, corrective action is appropriate. This is not aggression, but restoration of proper proportion.
Line 6 Changing
鳴謙,利用行師,征邑國。
(Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.)
"Balancing is made evident. It is favorable to set things in motion to restore alignment."
At the highest level, balance is applied outwardly across a wider field. Correction extends beyond the immediate situation.
This is not conquest, but the reordering of what has fallen out of alignment.
Changing to:
10. Treading (履 Lǚ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
- Below
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
The Symbolism of Hexagram 10
Hexagram 履 (Lǚ) concerns conduct under constraint—how one moves within a situation that demands awareness, respect, and precision. It describes navigating proximity to power or danger, where correct behavior determines outcome more than strength.
Hexagram 10 Judgment
履虎尾,不咥人,亨。
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)
"Stepping upon the tiger’s tail—yet it does not strike. Smooth progress."
This judgment presents a situation of real danger held in balance. The image is not symbolic exaggeration—it describes proximity to something that could cause harm, but does not, when approached correctly.
Success depends entirely on conduct. When movement is measured, aware, and properly aligned, even hazardous conditions can be navigated without injury.
Hexagram 10 Image
上天下泽,履。君子以辨上下,定民志。
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)
"The lake lies below heaven: treading. The superior person clarifies distinctions and steadies the intentions of the people."
The contrast between above and below establishes order. Proper conduct depends on recognizing position, relationship, and boundary.
Clarity of distinction stabilizes movement. When roles and levels are understood, action becomes appropriate and collective direction holds.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team