I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 20 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 20.1.2.3.6 -> 5

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

20. Contemplation

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀其生，君子无咎。"
(Guān qí shēng, jūn zǐ wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation of their life. The superior person has no blame.”

This line speaks of observing the lives of others. The superior person gains insight by watching how others live, learning from their successes and mistakes. This observation leads to wisdom and success.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team