I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 22 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 22.1.3.4.5 -> 12

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

22. Grace

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

22. Grace (賁 Bì)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 22

Hexagram 賁 (Bì) represents grace, beauty, and adornment. This hexagram speaks of the power of beauty and form in enhancing life. Grace does not replace substance but enhances it.

Hexagram 22 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁，亨，小利有攸往。"
(Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Grace brings success. It is not favorable to take large ventures; small ventures are beneficial.”

This hexagram advises focusing on grace and beauty in one's actions. Small, careful ventures bring success. The hexagram suggests that too much focus on appearance can lead to problems unless substance and action are in balance.

Hexagram 22 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有火，賁。君子以明庶政，无敢折獄。"
(Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù.)
English Translation:
“Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. The superior person brings clarity to governance but does not make final judgments.”

The image of fire at the base of the mountain represents the beauty and clarity that come from grace. The superior person focuses on clarity and transparency in governance but does not rush into decisions or judgments.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁其趾，舍車而徒。"
(Bì qí zhǐ, shě chē ér tú.)
English Translation:
“Grace in the feet. Abandoning the carriage and walking.”

This line advises simplicity and humility. By focusing on the basics (grace in the feet), one should proceed without unnecessary embellishments or complications. Success comes from simplicity and straightforwardness.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁如濡如，永貞吉。"
(Bì rú rú rú, yǒng zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Grace that comes gradually. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes a gradual unfolding of grace. It advises perseverance and consistency, allowing beauty and clarity to develop over time. By remaining true to oneself, good fortune will follow.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁如皤如，白馬翰如，匪寇婚媾。"
(Bì rú bó rú, bái mǎ hàn rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu.)
English Translation:
“Grace that is plain and white. The white horse comes swiftly. It is not a bandit, but a suitor.”

This line suggests that simplicity and purity are forms of grace. A swift arrival, like that of a white horse, represents a positive change. It reassures that what seems sudden is not threatening but brings good fortune, like a suitor seeking union.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁于丘園，束帛戔戔，吝，終吉。"
(Bì yú qiū yuán, shù bó jiān jiān, lìn, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Grace in the hills and gardens. Small bundles of silk. Some regret, but in the end, good fortune.”

This line speaks of grace in simple, natural surroundings. Even though one may feel limited or constrained, the simplicity brings eventual good fortune. Natural beauty and humility bring success in the end.

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