I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 41

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.1.2.3.6 -> 41

15. Modesty (謙 Qiān)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 15

Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) symbolizes modesty. This hexagram represents the virtue of humility, where individuals acknowledge their limitations and act without arrogance. Modesty brings success by allowing growth and development without drawing negative attention.

Hexagram 15 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"謙亨,君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Modesty creates success. The superior person completes their task.”

This hexagram advises modest behavior and humility as the key to success. The superior person accomplishes their goals by staying humble and grounded. Modesty allows them to remain focused and avoid unnecessary challenges.

Hexagram 15 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“Within the earth, there is a mountain: The image of Modesty. The superior person reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little, thus balancing the gift of things.”

The image of a mountain within the earth symbolizes hidden strength. The superior person uses this time to balance things, helping those with less and gently reducing the excess of those with more. This creates harmony and equilibrium in the world.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"謙謙君子,用涉大川,吉。"
(Qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.)
English Translation:
“The modest superior person crosses the great water. Good fortune.”

This line describes a modest person who undertakes great challenges, like crossing a large river. Their humility allows them to succeed in difficult endeavors, and good fortune follows.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鳴謙,貞吉。"
(Míng qiān, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Modesty that is proclaimed. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line speaks of someone whose modesty is recognized by others. Even when humility is visible or acknowledged, perseverance in modesty still brings good fortune. Public humility does not diminish its value.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"勞謙君子,有終,吉。"
(Láo qiān jūn zǐ, yǒu zhōng, jí.)
English Translation:
“The superior person works hard with modesty. In the end, good fortune.”

This line advises hard work combined with humility. By staying modest and diligent, the superior person achieves lasting success. Their efforts lead to good fortune and recognition in the end.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鳴謙,利用行師,征邑國。"
(Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.)
English Translation:
“Modesty proclaimed. It is beneficial to lead an army and conquer cities and nations.”

This line describes a situation where modesty allows one to lead others and succeed in large ventures. Even in positions of power, humility remains beneficial, leading to victory in difficult tasks.

Changing to:

41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 41

Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Hexagram 41 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"損,有孚,元吉,無咎。可貞,利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Hexagram 41 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有澤,損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
English Translation:
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team