I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 3 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 6 to Hexagram 59

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 3.1.2.6 -> 59

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

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin

59. Dispersion

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 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:

59. Dispersion (渙 Huàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 59

Hexagram 渙 (Huàn) represents dispersion or dissolution, symbolizing the scattering of obstacles or rigid structures. This hexagram speaks of a time when rigidity and blockages are being dissolved, allowing for movement and renewal. Success comes from breaking down barriers and freeing up resources.

Hexagram 59 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"渙，亨。王假有廟，利涉大川，利貞。"
(Huàn, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Dispersion. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises breaking down obstacles and removing barriers to progress. By dispersing rigid structures or habits, success follows. It is favorable to take bold actions, symbolized by crossing the great river, but perseverance is essential.

Hexagram 59 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。"
(Fēng xíng shuǐ shàng, huàn. Xiān wáng yǐ xiǎng yú dì lì miào.)
English Translation:
“Wind moves over the water: The image of Dispersion. The ancient kings offered sacrifices to heaven and built temples.”

The image of wind moving over water represents the power to dissolve obstacles and create movement. The superior person, like the ancient kings, makes offerings and creates structures to channel this energy toward positive outcomes.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team