I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 27 with Changing Lines 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 17

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 27.4.5.6 -> 17

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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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

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.

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:

17. Following (隨 Suí)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 17

Hexagram 隨 (Suí) symbolizes following, adapting, and being flexible. This hexagram represents a time when it is wise to follow the flow of events, adapting to circumstances without trying to impose one's will. Success comes from flexibility and responsiveness.

Hexagram 17 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨,元亨,利貞,无咎。"
(Suí, yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Following. Supreme success. Perseverance brings good fortune. No blame.”

This hexagram advises adaptability. By following the course of events and responding to circumstances with flexibility, one achieves success. It is important to remain committed to principles while being responsive to change.

Hexagram 17 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤中有雷,隨。君子以嚮晦入宴息。"
(Zé zhōng yǒu léi, suí. Jūn zǐ yǐ xiàng huì rù yàn xī.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the lake: The image of Following. The superior person withdraws when the time is not right and rests.”

The image of thunder within the lake suggests a time of reflection and withdrawal. The superior person follows the course of events, knowing when to act and when to rest. It is important to conserve energy and wait for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team