I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.2.3.4.5 -> 1
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 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.
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:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
"元亨,利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”
The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.
Hexagram 1 Image
"天行健,君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”
The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team