I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 23 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 50
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 23.2.3.4 -> 50
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
"剝,不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“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
"山附於地,剝。上以厚下,安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
“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
"剝牀以辨,蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ biàn, miè zhēn xiōng.)
“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
"剝之无咎。"
(Bō zhī wú jiù.)
“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
"剝牀以膚,凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ fū, xiōng.)
“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.
Changing to:
50. The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 50
Hexagram 鼎 (Dǐng) represents a cauldron, symbolizing nourishment and transformation. This hexagram speaks of a time when one’s resources and abilities are being refined and used to nourish and support others. Success comes from utilizing what is in the cauldron and making something valuable.
Hexagram 50 Judgment
"鼎,元吉,亨。"
(Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng.)
“The Cauldron. Great good fortune. Success.”
This hexagram advises a time of great transformation and nourishment. Like a cauldron cooking food, one’s resources and abilities are being refined to create something valuable. Success comes from sharing this nourishment with others.
Hexagram 50 Image
"木上有火,鼎。君子以正位凝命。"
(Mù shàng yǒu huǒ, dǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèng wèi níng mìng.)
“Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. The superior person makes their position correct and consolidates their destiny.”
The image of fire over wood represents the process of cooking and transforming raw ingredients into something nourishing. The superior person, like the cauldron, uses their resources and position to create something lasting and valuable.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team