I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.1.2.5 -> 5

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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不富以其鄰,利用侵伐,無不利。"
(Bù fù yǐ qí lín, lì yòng qīn fá, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚,光亨,贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天,需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team