I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 18 with Changing Lines 1, 5 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 18.1.5 -> 9

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

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

9. The Taming Power of the Small

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
English Translation:
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”

This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”

The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，有子，考无咎，厉终吉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yǒu zǐ, kǎo wú jiù, lì zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Correcting the decay caused by the father. If there is a son, no blame. Danger, but success in the end.”

This line speaks of addressing mistakes inherited from the past, symbolized by the father. Although correcting these errors is difficult, success is assured with perseverance.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"干父之蠱，用誉。"
(Gàn fù zhī gǔ, yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“Correcting the decay caused by the father. This brings praise.”

This line describes successfully addressing past mistakes and restoring order. The person is praised for their efforts, and success follows.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team