I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 15 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 5 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 15.1.3.5 -> 3

Young Yin Old Yin Young Yin Old Yang Young Yin Old Yin

15. Modesty

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

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 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 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:

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“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