I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 23 with Changing Lines 1, 2 to Hexagram 41

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 23.1.2 -> 41

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

23. Splitting Apart

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yang

41. Decrease

23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Hexagram 23 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝，不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Hexagram 23 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
English Translation:
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ zú, miè zhēn xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting at the legs of the bed. Perseverance leads to misfortune.”

This line speaks of the foundation being weakened, symbolized by the legs of a bed splitting. Trying to persevere in such a situation will only lead to further misfortune. It advises caution.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ biàn, miè zhēn xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting at the frame of the bed. Perseverance leads to misfortune.”

This line describes further decay, with the bed's frame splitting. Continuing to push forward in such circumstances only leads to more misfortune. It advises letting go and not trying to fix what cannot be saved.

Changing to:

41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 41

Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Hexagram 41 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Hexagram 41 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
English Translation:
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team