I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 28 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 23

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 28.2.3.4.5.6 -> 23

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

28. Preponderance of the Great

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

23. Splitting Apart

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 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.

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:

23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Hexagram 23 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝，不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Hexagram 23 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
English Translation:
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team