I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 24 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24.2.3.5.6 -> 9

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

24. Return

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

9. The Taming Power of the Small

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"休復，吉。"
(Xiū fù, jí.)
English Translation:
“Quiet return. Good fortune.”

This line speaks of a peaceful, quiet return to balance. By calmly returning to the right course, good fortune follows. There is no need for dramatic action—simple, quiet restoration is enough.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"頻復，厲无咎。"
(Pín fù, lì wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Repeated return. Danger, but no blame.”

This line warns of repeated deviations and returns to the right path. Although there is some danger in continuously straying, no blame comes if one remains committed to returning each time.

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:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team