I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 24 with Changing Lines 4, 6 to Hexagram 21
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24.4.6 -> 21
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 4 Changing
"中行獨復。"
(Zhōng xíng dú fù.)
“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 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:
21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 21
Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.
Hexagram 21 Judgment
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”
This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.
Hexagram 21 Image
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”
The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team