I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 23 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 28

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 23.2.3.4.5.6 -> 28

23. Splitting Apart

28. Preponderance of the Great

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 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.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"剝之无咎。"
(Bō zhī wú jiù.)

English Translation:

“Splitting apart. No blame.”

This line describes a situation where decay is inevitable, but no blame falls on the person experiencing it. It advises accepting the situation and not trying to fight against natural decline.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"剝牀以膚，凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ fū, xiōng.)

English Translation:

“Splitting at the flesh of the bed. Misfortune.”

This line suggests that the decay has reached a critical point. The situation has deteriorated to the point of no return, and misfortune is unavoidable. It advises accepting the loss and moving on.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"貫魚以宮人寵，无不利。"
(Guàn yú yǐ gōng rén chǒng, wú bù lì.)

English Translation:

“A string of fish. Favor comes to the palace maid. Everything is favorable.”

This line speaks of a positive turn. Although decay and decline may be present, there is still hope for favor and positive outcomes. It suggests that even in difficult times, opportunities for success remain.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。"
(Shuò guǒ bù shí, jūn zǐ dé yú, xiǎo rén bō lú.)

English Translation:

“The large fruit is not eaten. The superior person receives a carriage. The inferior person tears down their hut.”

This line describes a division between those who succeed and those who fall. The superior person is rewarded and moves forward, while the inferior person loses everything. It advises maintaining integrity and avoiding self-destruction.

Changing to:

28. Preponderance of the Great (大過 Dà Guò)

Trigrams

Above: ☱ Dui (Lake)
Below: ☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 28

Hexagram 大過 (Dà Guò) represents a time when things have gone beyond their normal limits, requiring extraordinary measures. This hexagram speaks of a time when great strength or effort is needed to deal with overwhelming circumstances.

Hexagram 28 Judgment

The Judgment reads:

Original Chinese:
"大過，棟橈，利有攸往，亨。"
(Dà guò, dòng náo, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, hēng.)

English Translation:

“Preponderance of the Great. The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to undertake something. Success.”

This hexagram speaks of a situation where the weight of circumstances is too great, symbolized by the sagging ridgepole. Extraordinary efforts are required, and success comes through careful and deliberate action. It is a time for great strength.

Hexagram 28 Image

The Image reads:

Original Chinese:
"澤滅木，大過。君子以獨立不懼，遯世无悶。"
(Zé miè mù, dà guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ dú lì bù jù, dùn shì wú mèn.)

English Translation:

“The lake rises above the trees: The image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior person stands alone without fear and withdraws from the world without regret.”

The image of a lake rising above the trees suggests an overwhelming situation. The superior person stands firm and does not fear the challenge. Sometimes, retreat and quiet reflection are necessary to cope with overwhelming circumstances.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team