I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 26 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 26.2.3.5.6 -> 3

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

26. The Taming Power of the Great

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 26

Hexagram 大畜 (Dà Chù) represents the power of restraint and control over great forces. This hexagram speaks of holding back powerful forces for the right time. Success comes from patience, wisdom, and self-control.

Hexagram 26 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大畜，利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。"
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable not to eat at home. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This hexagram advises perseverance and restraint. It is not a time for indulgence, but rather for preparation and control. Success comes from being patient and waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 26 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。"
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
English Translation:
“Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. The superior person studies the words and deeds of the past to strengthen their character.”

The image of heaven within the mountain suggests that great power is being restrained and controlled. The superior person uses this time to reflect on past wisdom and experience, cultivating their inner strength.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"輿說輻。"
(Yú shuō fú.)
English Translation:
“The axle has been removed from the wagon.”

This line speaks of a situation where forward movement is impossible. The axle, symbolizing movement, has been removed. It advises staying in place and waiting for the right time to proceed.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"良馬逐，利艱貞。曰閑輿衛，利有攸往。"
(Liáng mǎ zhú, lì jiān zhēn. Yuē xián yú wèi, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Good horses are chasing. Perseverance brings success in difficult times. There is talk of harnessing the wagon. It is favorable to have a destination.”

This line describes a situation of chasing after something of value. Success comes through perseverance in difficult circumstances. It is a time to harness resources and move forward carefully, but with a clear goal in mind.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"豶豕之牙，吉。"
(Fēn shǐ zhī yá, jí.)
English Translation:
“The tusks of a gelded boar. Good fortune.”

This line describes the taming of a potentially dangerous force. The boar, symbolizing wild energy, has been controlled. By keeping power under control, good fortune is ensured.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"何天之衢，亨。"
(Hé tiān zhī qú, hēng.)
English Translation:
“The path to heaven is open. Success.”

This line speaks of a time when the way forward is clear and success is assured. After a period of restraint and preparation, the time for action has come, and the path to success is wide open.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team