I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 3 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 57

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 3.1.2.3.6 -> 57

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.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"磐桓,利居贞,利建侯。"
(Pán huán, lì jū zhēn, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Hesitation and hindrance. It is beneficial to remain firm and establish lords.”

The first line represents a time of hesitation and difficulty, where obstacles seem to block progress. However, it is during this pause that one must remain firm and avoid acting prematurely. The idea of 'establishing lords' here suggests the importance of laying down strong foundations and delegating responsibility to capable individuals. This phase is about preparation, even though forward movement feels delayed. Perseverance and careful planning are crucial to future success.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"屯如,邅如,乘马班如,匪寇婚媾,女子贞不字,十年乃字。"
(Zhūn rú, zhān rú, chéng mǎ bān rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu, nǚ zǐ zhēn bù zì, shí nián nǎi zì.)
English Translation:
“Difficulty upon difficulty. Horses stumble. Not a robber, but a suitor. The maiden is firm and does not marry. After ten years, she does marry.”

This line reflects compounding challenges and delays, likened to a horse stumbling repeatedly. However, the situation is not as negative as it appears: what seems like robbery is in fact courtship. The maiden's refusal to marry represents the virtue of patience, waiting for the right moment to act. After a prolonged period of perseverance ('ten years'), success is achieved. This line advises not rushing into decisions and understanding that obstacles are part of a natural process that will ultimately bring about the desired outcome.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"即鹿无虞,惟入于林中,君子几不如舍,往吝。"
(Jí lù wú yú, wéi rù yú lín zhōng, jūn zǐ jī bù rú shě, wǎng lìn.)
English Translation:
“Hunting deer without a guide. Only entering the forest. The superior man gives up in time. To go on brings regret.”

This line symbolizes the dangers of proceeding without proper guidance or preparation. Hunting deer without a guide and entering the forest alone suggest blindly pursuing a goal. The superior man recognizes when a situation is not promising and knows when to stop, avoiding further losses. Continuing down a misguided path will lead to regret. This line encourages caution and prudence, reminding us to reassess our position when faced with uncertainty or unfamiliar terrain.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"乘马班如,泣血涟如。"
(Chéng mǎ bān rú, qì xuè lián rú.)
English Translation:
“Horses stumble. Tears of blood flow.”

The final line represents extreme hardship, where continued effort without recognition of the need to change course leads to deep suffering. The image of tears of blood reflects the emotional and physical toll of perseverance taken to its breaking point. This line serves as a warning that stubborn persistence in the wrong direction can cause irreparable damage. It advises reflection, withdrawal, and finding new approaches when the situation becomes too overwhelming.

Changing to:

57. The Gentle (巽 Xùn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 57

Hexagram 巽 (Xùn) represents the gentle, penetrating influence of wind. This hexagram speaks of subtlety and gradual progress. Success comes from gentle persistence, allowing time for small influences to create great changes.

Hexagram 57 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽,小亨,利有攸往,利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
English Translation:
“The Gentle. Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.”

This hexagram advises taking small, gradual steps toward progress. Like the wind, influence is subtle but consistent. Success comes from moving forward carefully and seeking wise counsel when needed.

Hexagram 57 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨風,巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
English Translation:
“Wind following wind: The image of The Gentle. The superior person uses clear orders and acts with authority.”

The image of wind following wind represents a situation where influence builds gradually, reinforcing itself over time. The superior person, like the wind, acts with gentle authority and clear guidance, ensuring progress through consistency.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team