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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 3.2.3 -> 5

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

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

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 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.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team