I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 20 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 1

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 20.1.2.3.4 -> 1

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

20. Contemplation

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

1. The Creative

20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 20

Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Hexagram 20 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Hexagram 20 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"童觀，小人无咎，君子吝。"
(Tóng guān, xiǎo rén wú jiù, jūn zǐ lìn.)
English Translation:
“Childlike contemplation. For the inferior person, no blame. For the superior person, regret.”

This line warns against naive or superficial contemplation. While it may cause no harm to those who are inexperienced, it brings regret for the superior person, who should strive for deeper insight.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"闚觀，利女貞。"
(Kuī guān, lì nǚ zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation from the outside. It is favorable for the perseverance of a woman.”

This line suggests observation from a distance or limited perspective. For a woman, this type of perseverance may bring success. It advises careful, indirect observation before taking action.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀我生，進退。"
(Guān wǒ shēng, jìn tuì.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation of one’s own life. Advancing or retreating.”

This line speaks of introspection and self-reflection. The person contemplates their own life and actions, deciding whether to advance or retreat based on what they see. It advises careful self-examination.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀國之光，利用賓于王。"
(Guān guó zhī guāng, lì yòng bīn yú wáng.)
English Translation:
“Contemplating the radiance of the kingdom. It is beneficial to see the great person.”

This line speaks of observing the greatness of the kingdom or a powerful leader. By contemplating their example, one learns valuable lessons. It is beneficial to meet and follow the wisdom of the great person.

Changing to:

1. The Creative (乾 Qián)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 1

Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.

Hexagram 1 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”

The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.

Hexagram 1 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
English Translation:
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”

The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team