I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 1, 6 to Hexagram 2

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.1.6 -> 2

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

27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

2. The Receptive

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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"由頤，厲吉，利涉大川。"
(Yóu yí, lì jí, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Nourishment from within. Danger, but good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This line describes a time of nourishment from within, which may involve danger but ultimately brings good fortune. With proper internal guidance, one can now take on great challenges and risks, symbolized by crossing the great river.

Changing to:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤，君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team