I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 17 with Changing Lines 4, 5 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 17.4.5 -> 24

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

17. Following

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨，元亨，利貞，无咎。"
(Suí, yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"孚于嘉，吉。"
(Fú yú jiā, jí.)
English Translation:
“Sincerity in following brings good fortune.”

This line advises sincerity and good intentions in following others. With these qualities, good fortune is assured.

Changing to:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team