I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 28 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 21

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 28.1.2.3.5.6 -> 21

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

28. Preponderance of the Great

Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin Yang

21. Biting Through

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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"枯楊生華，老妇得其士夫，无咎无譽。"
(Kū yáng shēng huá, lǎo fù dé qí shì fū, wú jiù wú yù.)
English Translation:
“A withered poplar tree blossoms. An old woman marries a young husband. No blame, no praise.”

This line describes a time of renewal, but without much fanfare. There is no blame, but also no great praise. It advises accepting the renewal without seeking validation or acclaim.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"過涉滅頂，凶，无咎。"
(Guò shè miè dǐng, xiōng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Passing through the flood waters submerges the head. Misfortune. No blame.”

This line describes a situation where one is overwhelmed, symbolized by being submerged in floodwaters. Misfortune is unavoidable, but there is no blame. It advises caution and retreat if possible.

Changing to:

21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 21

Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.

Hexagram 21 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”

This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.

Hexagram 21 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”

The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team