I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 18

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.2.4.5.6 -> 18

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

31. Resonance

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yang Yin

18. Correction of Decay

31. Resonance (咸 Xián)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness

The Symbolism of Hexagram 31

Hexagram 咸 (Xián) describes resonance—how one system responds to another through sensitivity and internal alignment. Influence here is not applied force, but the natural transmission of signal between receptive structures.

The mountain below provides stability, while the lake above allows openness and exchange. Together, they form a system where stillness enables accurate reception, and openness allows response. This hexagram models how connection forms through responsiveness rather than control.

Hexagram 31 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
咸，亨，利貞。取女吉。
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
English Translation:
"Resonance brings smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Forming a union brings favorable outcome."

This describes a state where mutual responsiveness allows connection to form naturally. Stability is required so that influence is not distorted or forced.

When alignment is genuine, union emerges without friction. The system holds together because its components respond to one another accurately.

Hexagram 31 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
English Translation:
"The lake rests upon the mountain: resonance. The superior person remains inwardly open and receives others."

The mountain holds still while the lake responds to what it encounters. This pairing creates a system capable of sensing and responding without distortion.

Openness is not passivity, but clarity of reception. By remaining unfilled, one can register external influence accurately and respond appropriately.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
咸其腓，凶，居吉。
(Xián qí féi, xiōng, jū jí.)
English Translation:
"Resonance reaches the calves. Unfavorable outcome. Remaining still brings favorable outcome."

The signal is spreading, but acting on it too early leads to instability. The system is not yet fully aligned.

Holding position preserves coherence. Movement at this stage introduces error.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
貞吉，悔亡。憧憧往來，朋從爾思。
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Chōng chōng wǎng lái, péng cóng ěr sī.)
English Translation:
"Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome. Regret resolves. In ongoing exchange, others align with your pattern."

Here, resonance stabilizes and becomes continuous. Signals move back and forth without obstruction.

Because the system remains consistent, others naturally synchronize with it. Alignment spreads without force.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
咸其脢，无悔。
(Xián qí méi, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
"Resonance reaches the back. No regret."

Influence is now internalized and no longer dependent on surface reaction. It is held within the structure.

Because it is stable and not reactive, there is no error. The system maintains coherence without effort.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
咸其輔頰舌。
(Xián qí fǔ jiá shé.)
English Translation:
"Resonance reaches the jaw, cheeks, and tongue."

Influence has moved into expression—speech and outward signaling. The system now transmits rather than receives.

At this stage, there is risk of distortion. Expression can amplify or misrepresent the original signal if not grounded in prior alignment.

Changing to:

18. Correction of Decay (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) describes a condition of accumulated disorder—something that has been left unattended and has deteriorated over time. It requires deliberate intervention to restore proper structure.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
English Translation:
"Correction of decay. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to undertake a major transition. Three days before, three days after."

This describes a situation requiring active correction of what has been allowed to degrade. Movement is possible, but only through deliberate effort.

The reference to time indicates preparation and follow-through. Repair is not instantaneous—it requires understanding what led to the condition and sustaining the correction beyond the initial change.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
English Translation:
"Wind moves along the mountain: correction of decay. The superior person stirs what is stagnant and cultivates what sustains."

The image shows penetration beneath stillness—movement entering what has become fixed. This reveals underlying disorder.

The response is to activate what has become dormant and rebuild what supports continuity. Correction requires both disruption and renewal.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team