I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 3 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 43
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 3.2.3.4 -> 43
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 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 3 Changing
"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.)
“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 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.
Changing to:
43. Breakthrough (夬 Guài)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 43
Hexagram 夬 (Guài) represents a decisive breakthrough or resolution. This hexagram speaks of a time when a critical decision must be made to overcome a situation. Success comes from firm, decisive action and clear communication.
Hexagram 43 Judgment
"夬，揚于王庭，孚號有厲，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。"
(Guài, yáng yú wáng tíng, fú hào yǒu lì, gào zì yì, bù lì jí róng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Breakthrough. The decision is announced in the court of the king. There is danger, but the proclamation is trusted. Do not approach the army. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”
This hexagram advises taking decisive action to resolve a difficult situation. Success comes from making a clear, public decision (symbolized by the court of the king). However, there is danger, so one must proceed with caution and not rush into conflict.
Hexagram 43 Image
"澤上于天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。"
(Zé shàng yú tiān, guài. Jūn zǐ yǐ shī lù jí xià, jū dé zé jì.)
“The lake rises to heaven: The image of Breakthrough. The superior person shares their fortune with those below and restrains themselves with virtue.”
The image of a lake rising represents the need to control and direct energy to prevent excess. The superior person, like the lake, shares their good fortune with others but remains humble and restrained, ensuring balance and harmony.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team