I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 5 to Hexagram 53

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.1.3.5 -> 53

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"頤,貞吉。觀頤,自求口實。"
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"舍爾靈龜,觀我朵頤,凶。"
(Shě ěr líng guī, guān wǒ duǒ yí, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"拂頤,貞凶,十年勿用,无攸利。"
(Fú yí, zhēn xiōng, shí nián wù yòng, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“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.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"拂經,居貞吉,不可涉大川。"
(Fú jīng, jū zhēn jí, bù kě shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Turning away from the path. Staying still brings good fortune. It is not favorable to cross the great river.”

This line advises staying still and not taking action at this time. By turning away from risky ventures and remaining where one is, good fortune is ensured. Crossing the great river symbolizes taking unnecessary risks.

Changing to:

53. Development (漸 Jiàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 53

Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.

Hexagram 53 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸,女歸吉,利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.

Hexagram 53 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有木,漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
English Translation:
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”

The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team