I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 30 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 3
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 30.3.4.5.6 -> 3
30. The Clinging, Fire (離 Lí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 30
Hexagram 離 (Lí) symbolizes fire, which clings to the wood that fuels it. This hexagram speaks of dependence and clarity, as fire illuminates and requires a source of energy. Success comes from clear vision and the ability to adapt and depend on the right things.
Hexagram 30 Judgment
"利貞,亨。畜牝牛,吉。"
(Lì zhēn, hēng. Xù pìn niú, jí.)
“Perseverance furthers. Success. Cultivating a cow brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises clarity and perseverance. Success comes from cultivating something stable and dependable, like a cow. By tending to one's responsibilities and maintaining clear vision, good fortune is assured.
Hexagram 30 Image
"明兩作,離。大人以繼明照四方。"
(Míng liǎng zuò, lí. Dà rén yǐ jì míng zhào sì fāng.)
“Fire above and fire below: The image of The Clinging, Fire. The superior person continues the light of clarity to illuminate the four corners of the world.”
The image of fire reflects the need for clarity and illumination. The superior person spreads understanding and insight, ensuring that light and truth reach all corners of the world. It is a time to bring clarity to situations.
Line 3 Changing
"日昃之離,不鼓缶而歌,則大耋之嗟,凶。"
(Rì zè zhī lí, bù gǔ fǒu ér gē, zé dà dié zhī jiē, xiōng.)
“When the sun sets, do not beat the drum and sing. Then there is lament from old age. Misfortune.”
This line speaks of a time when clarity fades, like the setting sun. It advises against celebrating prematurely or acting carelessly. If one does not heed the situation, regret and misfortune follow, especially as time passes.
Line 4 Changing
"突如其來如,焚如,死如,棄如。"
(Tū rú qí lái rú, fén rú, sǐ rú, qì rú.)
“Suddenly it comes, blazes up, dies down, and is thrown away.”
This line describes something that flares up quickly but dies just as fast. It warns against fleeting passions or impulsive actions that cannot be sustained. By acting without stability, one risks losing everything.
Line 5 Changing
"出涕沱若,戚嗟若,吉。"
(Chū tì tuó ruò, qī jiē ruò, jí.)
“Tears flow like streams and there is deep sorrow. Good fortune.”
This line speaks of a time of grief and deep emotion, but it assures that good fortune follows. By experiencing and acknowledging the sorrow, one purifies their emotions and can move forward to better times.
Line 6 Changing
"王用出征,有嘉折首,獲匪其醜,无咎。"
(Wáng yòng chū zhēng, yǒu jiā zhé shǒu, huò fěi qí chǒu, wú jiù.)
“The king uses clarity to go on a campaign. He captures the leader and brings good fortune. No blame.”
This line describes a leader who uses clarity and insight to overcome opposition. By removing obstacles and acting decisively, success is assured and there is no blame. It advises strong, clear leadership.
Changing to:
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.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team