I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 17 with Changing Lines 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 27
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 17.4.5.6 -> 27
17. Following (隨 Suí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 17
Hexagram 隨 (Suí) symbolizes following, adapting, and being flexible. This hexagram represents a time when it is wise to follow the flow of events, adapting to circumstances without trying to impose one's will. Success comes from flexibility and responsiveness.
Hexagram 17 Judgment
"隨，元亨，利貞，无咎。"
(Suí, yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wú jiù.)
“Following. Supreme success. Perseverance brings good fortune. No blame.”
This hexagram advises adaptability. By following the course of events and responding to circumstances with flexibility, one achieves success. It is important to remain committed to principles while being responsive to change.
Hexagram 17 Image
"澤中有雷，隨。君子以嚮晦入宴息。"
(Zé zhōng yǒu léi, suí. Jūn zǐ yǐ xiàng huì rù yàn xī.)
“Thunder within the lake: The image of Following. The superior person withdraws when the time is not right and rests.”
The image of thunder within the lake suggests a time of reflection and withdrawal. The superior person follows the course of events, knowing when to act and when to rest. It is important to conserve energy and wait for the right moment.
Line 4 Changing
"隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。"
(Suí yǒu huò, zhēn xiōng. Yǒu fú zài dào, yǐ míng, hé jiù.)
“Following with gain. Perseverance leads to misfortune. If sincerity is present, no blame.”
This line suggests that while following may bring gains, it can lead to misfortune if one is not careful. However, if sincerity and clarity guide the way, one can avoid blame.
Line 5 Changing
"孚于嘉，吉。"
(Fú yú jiā, jí.)
“Sincerity in following brings good fortune.”
This line advises sincerity and good intentions in following others. With these qualities, good fortune is assured.
Line 6 Changing
"拘係之，乃從維之，王用亨于西山。"
(Jū xì zhī, nǎi cóng wéi zhī, wáng yòng hēng yú xī shān.)
“Bound with ropes, yet following. The king sacrifices on the western mountain.”
This line speaks of a situation where one is restricted or bound but still chooses to follow. The king’s sacrifice symbolizes the importance of humility and devotion in difficult circumstances.
Changing to:
27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment) (頤 Yí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 27
Hexagram 頤 (Yí) symbolizes nourishment and the act of taking in what is necessary to sustain life. This hexagram speaks of both physical and spiritual nourishment. Success comes from being mindful of what one consumes and from nurturing others.
Hexagram 27 Judgment
"頤，貞吉。觀頤，自求口實。"
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
“Nourishment. Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe how you provide nourishment and seek your own source of sustenance.”
This hexagram advises mindfulness about how one nourishes both body and spirit. It suggests that success comes from being careful about what one consumes—whether food, thoughts, or influences—and also from nurturing others with integrity.
Hexagram 27 Image
"山下有雷，頤。君子以慎言語，節飲食。"
(Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí.)
“Thunder beneath the mountain: The image of Nourishment. The superior person is careful in their words and moderate in eating and drinking.”
The image of thunder under the mountain represents the need for careful and moderate action. The superior person nourishes themselves by being mindful of what they say and by practicing moderation in all things.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team