I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3 to Hexagram 18
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.1.2.3 -> 18
27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment) (頤 Yí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 27
Hexagram 頤 (Yí) symbolizes nourishment and the act of taking in what is necessary to sustain life. This hexagram speaks of both physical and spiritual nourishment. Success comes from being mindful of what one consumes and from nurturing others.
Hexagram 27 Judgment
"頤，貞吉。觀頤，自求口實。"
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
“Nourishment. Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe how you provide nourishment and seek your own source of sustenance.”
This hexagram advises mindfulness about how one nourishes both body and spirit. It suggests that success comes from being careful about what one consumes—whether food, thoughts, or influences—and also from nurturing others with integrity.
Hexagram 27 Image
"山下有雷，頤。君子以慎言語，節飲食。"
(Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí.)
“Thunder beneath the mountain: The image of Nourishment. The superior person is careful in their words and moderate in eating and drinking.”
The image of thunder under the mountain represents the need for careful and moderate action. The superior person nourishes themselves by being mindful of what they say and by practicing moderation in all things.
Line 1 Changing
"舍爾靈龜，觀我朵頤，凶。"
(Shě ěr líng guī, guān wǒ duǒ yí, xiōng.)
“Abandoning your sacred tortoise, you look at me with your mouth drooping. Misfortune.”
This line speaks of someone who has abandoned their inner wisdom (the sacred tortoise) and now looks to others for sustenance. By relying on external sources rather than inner guidance, misfortune follows.
Line 2 Changing
"顛頤，拂經于丘，徵凶。"
(Diān yí, fú jīng yú qiū, zhēng xiōng.)
“Turning away from nourishment, straying from the path. Misfortune.”
This line warns against turning away from what truly nourishes. By straying from the right path, misfortune follows. It advises staying true to what sustains and nurtures.
Line 3 Changing
"拂頤，貞凶，十年勿用，无攸利。"
(Fú yí, zhēn xiōng, shí nián wù yòng, wú yōu lì.)
“Turning away from nourishment. Perseverance brings misfortune. For ten years, nothing is favorable.”
This line describes a prolonged period of difficulty caused by abandoning what nourishes. Perseverance in this mistaken path brings only misfortune, and it advises against continuing down this course.
Changing to:
18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 18
Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.
Hexagram 18 Judgment
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”
This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.
Hexagram 18 Image
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”
The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team