I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 25 with Changing Lines 2, 3 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 25.2.3 -> 1
25. Innocence (無妄 Wú Wàng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 25
Hexagram 無妄 (Wú Wàng) symbolizes innocence or the absence of falsehood. This hexagram speaks of acting with sincerity, without ulterior motives, and maintaining a state of natural purity. Success comes from being genuine and spontaneous.
Hexagram 25 Judgment
"無妄,元亨,利貞。其匪正有眚,不利有攸往。"
(Wú wàng, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Qí fěi zhèng yǒu shěng, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. If one is not as they should be, they have misfortune, and it is not favorable to undertake anything.”
This hexagram advises maintaining innocence and sincerity. Success comes from acting with integrity and without ulterior motives. However, if one strays from the right path, misfortune follows. It is important to be true to oneself.
Hexagram 25 Image
"天下雷行,物與无妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。"
(Tiān xià léi xíng, wù yǔ wú wàng. Xiān wáng yǐ mào duì shí yù wàn wù.)
“Thunder beneath heaven: The image of Innocence. The ancient kings nurtured and cared for all beings, responding to the seasons and bringing prosperity to all things.”
The image of thunder moving beneath heaven represents the power of natural forces. The superior person uses this time to nurture and care for others, aligning their actions with the natural rhythms of life. This brings prosperity and success.
Line 2 Changing
"不耕获,不菑畬,则利有攸往。"
(Bù gēng huò, bù zī yú, zé lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Not plowing, but harvesting. Not planting, but reaping. It is favorable to undertake something.”
This line suggests that natural rewards come without forced effort. By acting in alignment with the natural flow of life, success comes easily. It is a favorable time to act.
Line 3 Changing
"无妄之災,或系之牛,行人之得,邑人之災。"
(Wú wàng zhī zāi, huò xì zhī niú, xíng rén zhī dé, yì rén zhī zāi.)
“Innocent misfortune. A tied-up cow is taken by a passerby. The passerby gains, while the town suffers misfortune.”
This line describes a situation where innocent actions lead to unintended consequences. The passerby benefits from something that was not theirs to take, while the community suffers. It warns of misfortune even when acting innocently.
Changing to:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
"元亨,利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”
The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.
Hexagram 1 Image
"天行健,君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”
The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team