I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 3 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 6
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 3.1.2.4.6 -> 6
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
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
“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
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
“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
"磐桓，利居贞，利建侯。"
(Pán huán, lì jū zhēn, lì jiàn hóu.)
“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
"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.)
“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 4 Changing
"乘马班如，求婚媾，往吉，无不利。"
(Chéng mǎ bān rú, qiú hūn gòu, wǎng jí, wú bù lì.)
“Horses stumble. Seeking union, going brings good fortune. Everything acts to further.”
Despite the image of stumbling horses (symbolizing setbacks), this line encourages perseverance in seeking union or cooperation. The difficulties encountered earlier are not indicative of failure, but rather part of the process leading to success. The line advises continuing efforts to form alliances or partnerships, as these relationships will ultimately bring good fortune. It suggests that unity and cooperation are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.
Line 6 Changing
"乘马班如，泣血涟如。"
(Chéng mǎ bān rú, qì xuè lián rú.)
“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:
6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 6
Hexagram Sòng (Conflict) represents a time of dispute or disagreement. This hexagram signals a moment when conflicts must be addressed. The key to resolution lies in upholding righteousness and avoiding impulsive reactions driven by anger or emotion.
Hexagram 6 Judgment
"有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
“Conflict demands sincerity. Be cautious and halt before it escalates. There is success in the middle, but disaster awaits at the end. It is beneficial to consult a wise person, but unfavorable to undertake major ventures, like crossing a great river.”
Conflict is best managed through sincerity and careful restraint. Success comes from resolving disputes in the middle stage, before they intensify. While there may be some early success, prolonged conflict leads to harm. Seeking advice from a wise figure is beneficial, but engaging in large-scale endeavors (crossing a great river) is unwise during this time.
Hexagram 6 Image
"天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。"
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
“Heaven and water move in opposite directions—this is the image of Conflict. The wise person uses this time to plan carefully at the outset of any endeavor.”
Heaven and water moving apart symbolize discord and opposition. The wise person uses this time to strategize and avoid rushing into any new ventures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in navigating conflict.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team