I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 24 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24.1.4.5.6 -> 12

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

24. Return

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不遠復，无祗悔，元吉。"
(Bù yuǎn fù, wú zhī huǐ, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“Not far to return. No need for remorse. Great good fortune.”

This line advises a quick return to the right path. If one has strayed, it is not far to return, and there is no need for regret. Good fortune comes from making this return quickly and without hesitation.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"中行獨復。"
(Zhōng xíng dú fù.)
English Translation:
“Walking in the center, returning alone.”

This line describes someone who stays on the correct path, even when they must do so alone. It advises independence and inner strength, as following the right course may sometimes require standing apart from others.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"敦復，无悔。"
(Dūn fù, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
“Sincere return. No regret.”

This line speaks of a sincere, heartfelt return to balance and right action. There is no regret, as the return is made with full commitment and clarity.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"迷復，凶，有災眚。用行師，終有大敗，以其國君凶，至于十年不克征。"
(Mí fù, xiōng, yǒu zāi shěng. Yòng xíng shī, zhōng yǒu dà bài, yǐ qí guó jūn xiōng, zhì yú shí nián bù kè zhēng.)
English Translation:
“Lost return. Misfortune. There is disaster and calamity. Using the army leads to great defeat. The ruler faces ruin. For ten years, there is no success.”

This line warns of becoming lost and failing to return to the right path. Misfortune, disaster, and defeat follow if one continues down the wrong path. It advises taking immediate action to return before it is too late.

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