I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.2.3.5 -> 9

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

27. The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

9. The Taming Power of the Small

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"顛頤，拂經于丘，徵凶。"
(Diān yí, fú jīng yú qiū, zhēng xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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

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:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team