I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 24 with Changing Lines 2, 6 to Hexagram 41
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24.2.6 -> 41
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
"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.)
“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
"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.)
“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
"休復，吉。"
(Xiū fù, jí.)
“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 6 Changing
"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.)
“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:
41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 41
Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.
Hexagram 41 Judgment
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”
This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.
Hexagram 41 Image
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”
The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team