I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 23 with Changing Lines 4, 5 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 23.4.5 -> 12

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

23. Splitting Apart

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

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 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.

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