I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 2 with Changing Lines 1, 5, 6 to Hexagram 42

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 2.1.5.6 -> 42

Old Yin Old Yin Young Yin Young Yin Young Yin Old Yin

2. The Receptive

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

42. Increase

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents receptive power—the capacity to receive, support, and bring things to completion. It corresponds to earth: steady, open, and sustaining. Rather than initiating movement, it responds and gives form to what has begun.

In human terms, it reflects patience, humility, and reliability. Strength here is not forceful, but enduring—expressed through consistency, support, and the ability to carry responsibility without resistance.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
坤，元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞，吉。
(Kūn, yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn. Jūn zǐ yǒu yōu wǎng, xiān mí hòu dé zhǔ, lì xī nán dé péng, dōng běi sàng péng. Ān zhēn, jí.)
English Translation:
"Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to be steady like a mare. It is favorable to move with direction: at first there is confusion, then a guiding direction is found. It is favorable to gain companions in the southwest and to lose companions in the northeast. Resting in correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."

This passage describes a path that unfolds through yielding rather than forcing. At first, direction may not be clear, but by remaining open and responsive, alignment gradually emerges. The references to gaining and losing companions point to moving with what supports you and letting go of what does not.

The core idea is steady receptivity. By remaining grounded and consistent, one finds the right path and proceeds with support rather than strain.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
"The earth's condition is receptive: the receptive. The superior person carries and supports all things through depth and capacity."

The earth receives and sustains everything without preference or resistance. This becomes a model for human conduct: to develop depth of character that can hold responsibility and support others.

The emphasis is on capacity rather than control. Strength is expressed through what one can carry and sustain over time.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
履霜，坚冰至。
(Lǚ shuāng, jiān bīng zhì.)
English Translation:
"Stepping on frost—solid ice is approaching."

This line points to early signs that precede a larger development. What appears minor now will grow if left unattended. Awareness at the beginning allows for preparation.

It advises attention to small changes. Recognizing patterns early prevents being overtaken later.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
黄裳，元吉。
(Huáng cháng, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
"A yellow garment. Primary favorable outcome."

Yellow, associated with the center and the earth, suggests balance and sincerity. The garment represents an outer expression that reflects inner alignment.

This line indicates that when one’s outward conduct matches inner integrity, favorable outcomes follow naturally.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
龙战于野，其血玄黄。
(Lóng zhàn yú yě, qí xuè xuán huáng.)
English Translation:
"Dragons contend in the open field. Their blood is dark and yellow."

This depicts conflict between forces that should remain distinct. When opposing energies clash without balance, both are harmed.

It serves as a warning against excess and confrontation. Pushing beyond proper limits leads to loss on all sides.

Changing to:

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) describes increase—expansion through directed addition and reinforcement. The system gains capacity because energy is being applied where it produces real growth.

Wind above thunder shows propagation emerging from activation. What begins as movement below spreads outward and upward, creating amplification. Increase here is not mere accumulation, but growth that extends functional reach.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
益，利有攸往，利涉大川。
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
"Increase. It is favorable to move with direction. It is favorable to undertake a major transition."

Increase creates conditions for forward movement. The system has enough added capacity to undertake something consequential.

This is not passive growth. Expansion is meant to be used, especially where a larger passage or transition must be made.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
"Wind and thunder stir together: increase. The superior person moves toward what is good and corrects what is mistaken."

Increase is not just receiving more. It also requires responsiveness—taking in what strengthens the system and removing what weakens it.

Growth is sustained by adjustment. Increase and correction work together.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team