I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 49
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.3.4.5.6 -> 49
27. Nourishment (頤 Yí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing
The Symbolism of Hexagram 27
Hexagram 頤 (Yí) concerns what is taken in and what is expressed. It describes the system of intake, processing, and output that sustains life and action.
Hexagram 27 Judgment
頤,貞吉。觀頤,自求口實。
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
"Nourishment. Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome. Observe nourishment, and seek what fills the mouth for yourself."
This hexagram directs attention to both intake and source. What is taken in must be examined, and its origin understood.
Sustenance must ultimately be secured by oneself, not passively received or misdirected.
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 stirs beneath the mountain: nourishment. The superior person is careful in speech and measured in food and drink."
Thunder initiates movement; the mountain contains it. This reflects controlled intake and controlled expression.
Speech and consumption are parallel systems—both must be governed to maintain balance.
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.)
"Rejecting nourishment. Correct alignment leads to an unfavorable outcome. For ten cycles, do not engage. No direction is favorable."
The system refuses what sustains it. This is a structural error, not a temporary imbalance.
Persistence in this condition leads to prolonged dysfunction.
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.)
"Disturbed nourishment. Favorable outcome. Focused attention like a hunting tiger. No error."
Nourishment is corrected through precise attention. The tiger image reflects disciplined focus.
When intake is properly directed, balance is restored.
Line 5 Changing
拂經,居貞吉,不可涉大川。
(Fú jīng, jū zhēn jí, bù kě shè dà chuān.)
"Deviation from the proper channel. Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome. It is not suitable to undertake a major transition."
There is still misalignment, but stability can be maintained by not advancing.
Large actions amplify imbalance and should be avoided.
Line 6 Changing
由頤,厲吉,利涉大川。
(Yóu yí, lì jí, lì shè dà chuān.)
"Nourishment is properly directed. Risk present, but it leads to favorable outcome. It is favorable to undertake a major transition."
The system of intake and output is now correct. Movement becomes possible again.
Even with risk, properly aligned nourishment supports major action.
Changing to:
49. Transformation (革 Gé)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire) — 火 · Radiance
The Symbolism of Hexagram 49
Hexagram 革 (Gé) describes transformation—fundamental change applied at the correct moment. It is not gradual growth, but decisive restructuring when conditions demand it.
Fire within the lake shows internal pressure building beneath a contained surface. When the timing is correct, change becomes inevitable.
Hexagram 49 Judgment
革,巳日乃孚。元亨,利貞,悔亡。
(Gé, sì rì nǎi fú. Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, huǐ wáng.)
"Transformation. At the proper time, there is underlying alignment and trust. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Regret resolves."
This hexagram describes necessary change that must occur at the correct moment. Timing is critical—transformation cannot be forced prematurely.
When the moment is right, alignment forms naturally and resistance falls away. Stability during change ensures success and removes prior tension.
Hexagram 49 Image
澤中有火,革。君子以治曆明時。
(Zé zhōng yǒu huǒ, gé. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì lì míng shí.)
"Fire burns within the lake: transformation. The superior person orders the calendar and clarifies the times."
Transformation depends on timing. Change is not continuous—it occurs at defined intervals when conditions align.
Clarity of timing determines whether change succeeds or fails.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team