I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.1.2.4.5.6 -> 1
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
"謙亨，君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
“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
"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.)
“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
"謙謙君子，用涉大川，吉。"
(Qiān qiān jūn zǐ, yòng shè dà chuān, jí.)
“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
"鳴謙，貞吉。"
(Míng qiān, zhēn jí.)
“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 4 Changing
"無不利，撝謙。"
(Wú bù lì, huī qiān.)
“No disadvantage. Acting with modesty.”
This line states that modest behavior carries no disadvantages. Acting with humility ensures success and prevents conflict or failure. It advises maintaining a modest approach in all situations.
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 enriching oneself at the expense of others. It is favorable to take action against difficulties. No disadvantage.”
This line emphasizes fairness and integrity. It advises not to gain wealth or advantage by harming others. By taking action against difficulties, one can avoid disadvantage and ensure success.
Line 6 Changing
"鳴謙，利用行師，征邑國。"
(Míng qiān, lì yòng xíng shī, zhēng yì guó.)
“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:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”
The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.
Hexagram 1 Image
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”
The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team