I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 32 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 32.1.2.3.4.5 -> 3

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

32. Duration

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

32. Duration (恆 Héng)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 32

Hexagram 恆 (Héng) symbolizes endurance and lasting strength. This hexagram speaks of the need for stability, perseverance, and consistency in all things. Success comes from maintaining a steady course over time.

Hexagram 32 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"亨，利貞。利有攸往。"
(Hēng, lì zhēn. Lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Duration. Success. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises perseverance and stability. Success comes from maintaining a steady course, and it is favorable to have a clear direction. Endurance brings long-lasting success.

Hexagram 32 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷風，恆。君子以立不易方。"
(Léi fēng, héng. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì bù yì fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and wind: The image of Duration. The superior person stands firm and does not change their direction.”

The image of thunder and wind represents the forces of nature that persist over time. The superior person, like these forces, stands firm and does not change their direction easily. Consistency and stability are key to success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"浚恆，凶。"
(Jùn héng, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune.”

This line warns against rushing into long-term commitments without proper preparation. Hastily seeking endurance without the necessary foundation leads to misfortune.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡。"
(Huǐ wáng.)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears.”

This line advises patience and perseverance. By staying the course and being consistent, regret fades, and the situation improves over time.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不恆其德，或承之羞，貞吝。"
(Bù héng qí dé, huò chéng zhī xiū, zhēn lìn.)
English Translation:
“If one does not persevere in virtue, shame follows. Perseverance brings regret.”

This line warns against failing to maintain consistency in virtue. Without perseverance, shame and regret follow. It advises staying true to one's principles to avoid misfortune.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"田无禽。"
(Tián wú qín.)
English Translation:
“No game in the field.”

This line describes a situation where efforts yield no results, symbolized by an empty field. It advises accepting that some efforts may not bring immediate rewards and to remain patient.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"恆其德，貞，婦人吉，夫子凶。"
(Héng qí dé, zhēn, fù rén jí, fū zǐ xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Persevering in virtue. For a woman, good fortune. For a man, misfortune.”

This line advises perseverance in virtue but warns of different outcomes based on one's role. For a woman, patience and endurance bring good fortune. For a man, failure to adapt may lead to misfortune.

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

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team