I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 28 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 28.1.2.3.4 -> 3

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

28. Preponderance of the Great

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

28. Preponderance of the Great (大過 Dà Guò)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dui (Lake)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 28

Hexagram 大過 (Dà Guò) represents a time when things have gone beyond their normal limits, requiring extraordinary measures. This hexagram speaks of a time when great strength or effort is needed to deal with overwhelming circumstances.

Hexagram 28 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大過，棟橈，利有攸往，亨。"
(Dà guò, dòng náo, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, hēng.)
English Translation:
“Preponderance of the Great. The ridgepole sags. It is favorable to undertake something. Success.”

This hexagram speaks of a situation where the weight of circumstances is too great, symbolized by the sagging ridgepole. Extraordinary efforts are required, and success comes through careful and deliberate action. It is a time for great strength.

Hexagram 28 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤滅木，大過。君子以獨立不懼，遯世无悶。"
(Zé miè mù, dà guò. Jūn zǐ yǐ dú lì bù jù, dùn shì wú mèn.)
English Translation:
“The lake rises above the trees: The image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior person stands alone without fear and withdraws from the world without regret.”

The image of a lake rising above the trees suggests an overwhelming situation. The superior person stands firm and does not fear the challenge. Sometimes, retreat and quiet reflection are necessary to cope with overwhelming circumstances.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"藉用白茅，无咎。"
(Jiè yòng bái máo, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Using white grass as a mat. No blame.”

This line advises taking modest, simple actions in times of difficulty. By keeping things simple and using what is available (like white grass), one avoids blame and misfortune.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"枯楊生稊，老夫得其女妻，无不利。"
(Kū yáng shēng tí, lǎo fū dé qí nǚ qī, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“A withered poplar tree sprouts new shoots. An old man marries a young wife. Everything is favorable.”

This line describes a time of renewal in the midst of decay. Even when things seem beyond repair (like a withered tree), new life and opportunities arise. This renewal brings success.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"棟橈，凶。"
(Dòng náo, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The ridgepole sags. Misfortune.”

This line speaks of a situation where the weight of circumstances is too much to bear, symbolized by the sagging ridgepole. Misfortune is unavoidable unless extraordinary action is taken.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"棟隆，吉。有它吝。"
(Dòng lóng, jí. Yǒu tā lìn.)
English Translation:
“The ridgepole rises. Good fortune. If there are other things, there is regret.”

This line suggests that the situation is improving, symbolized by the ridgepole rising again. However, if one takes on too much or becomes distracted by other concerns, there will be regret.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team