I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5 to Hexagram 12
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.1.4.5 -> 12
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 4 Changing
"顛頤，吉。虎視眈眈，其欲逐逐，无咎。"
(Diān yí, jí. Hǔ shì dān dān, qí yù zhú zhú, wú jiù.)
“Turning to nourishment brings good fortune. The tiger watches intently, its desires are focused. No blame.”
This line describes a return to proper nourishment and focus. Like a tiger that watches its prey with intent, one should focus on what truly sustains them. By doing so, good fortune follows, and there is no blame.
Line 5 Changing
"拂經，居貞吉，不可涉大川。"
(Fú jīng, jū zhēn jí, bù kě shè dà chuān.)
“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:
12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 12
Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.
Hexagram 12 Judgment
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”
In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.
Hexagram 12 Image
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”
The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team