I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 21 with Changing Lines 1, 5 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 21.1.5 -> 12

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

21. Biting Through

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 21

Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.

Hexagram 21 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”

This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.

Hexagram 21 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”

The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"屦校滅趾，无咎。"
(Jù xiào miè zhǐ, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through the skin of the foot. No blame.”

This line describes a minor obstacle that is easily overcome. Though the situation may cause discomfort, it does not lead to blame or serious harm.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬乾肉，得黄金，貞厲，无咎。"
(Shì gān ròu, dé huáng jīn, zhēn lì, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through dried meat. Finding yellow gold. Perseverance brings danger, but no blame.”

This line describes overcoming a difficult obstacle and discovering great value, symbolized by gold. While perseverance may involve some risk, there is no blame, and success is assured.

Changing to:

12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 12

Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.

Hexagram 12 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
English Translation:
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”

In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.

Hexagram 12 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”

The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team