I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 34 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 20

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 34.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 20

Old Yin Old Yin Old Yang Old Yang Old Yang Old Yang

34. The Power of the Great

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin

20. Contemplation

34. The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 34

Hexagram 大壯 (Dà Zhuàng) represents great power and strength. This hexagram speaks of a time when great energy and force are available, but it advises using this power with care and wisdom. True strength comes from knowing when and how to apply it.

Hexagram 34 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大壯，利貞。"
(Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises using great power wisely. Success comes from perseverance and the careful, deliberate application of strength. It is important to avoid rash or impulsive actions.

Hexagram 34 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在天上，大壯。君子以非禮勿履。"
(Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. The superior person avoids stepping beyond what is proper.”

The image of thunder in heaven represents great power that must be controlled. The superior person, like thunder, understands the need for restraint and does not overstep the bounds of what is proper.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"壯于趾，徵凶，有孚。"
(Zhuàng yú zhǐ, zhēng xiōng, yǒu fú.)
English Translation:
“Power in the toes. Advancing leads to misfortune. There is sincerity.”

This line warns against acting impulsively or advancing too quickly, as it leads to misfortune. Although there may be sincerity, it advises caution in applying strength.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉。"
(Zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line advises perseverance and steady application of power. By maintaining a course of consistent strength and not rushing, good fortune follows.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"小人用壯，君子用罔，貞厲，羝羊觸藩，羸其角。"
(Xiǎo rén yòng zhuàng, jūn zǐ yòng wǎng, zhēn lì, dī yáng chù fān, léi qí jiǎo.)
English Translation:
“The inferior person uses power; the superior person uses restraint. Perseverance brings danger. A ram butts against a fence and gets its horns entangled.”

This line contrasts the misuse of power by the inferior person and the wise use of restraint by the superior person. It warns that acting impulsively, like a ram butting a fence, leads to danger and entanglement.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡。藩決不羸，壯于大輿之輹。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Fān jué bù léi, zhuàng yú dà yú zhī fù.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune, and regret disappears. The fence breaks, and the strength is in the axle of a large wagon.”

This line speaks of breaking through barriers. By persevering, regret fades, and one's strength, like that of a large wagon, is fully harnessed. It suggests overcoming obstacles with careful application of power.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"喪羊于易，无悔。"
(Sàng yáng yú yì, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
“Losing the ram in easy circumstances. No regret.”

This line speaks of avoiding entanglement and danger. By letting go of something (symbolized by the ram), one avoids regret. It advises knowing when to release and not hold on to what may cause trouble.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"羝羊觸藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艱則吉。"
(Dī yáng chù fān, bù néng tuì, bù néng suì, wú yōu lì, jiān zé jí.)
English Translation:
“A ram butts against a fence. It cannot advance or retreat. Nothing is favorable, but perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes a situation where one is stuck, unable to move forward or back, like a ram entangled in a fence. Although it is an unfavorable situation, perseverance and patience eventually bring good fortune.

When All Lines are Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"用九，元吉。"
(Yòng jiǔ, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“In the end, great good fortune.”

The final comment reinforces that through careful, controlled use of power, great good fortune is achieved. Strength must be applied with wisdom and restraint.

Changing to:

20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 20

Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Hexagram 20 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Hexagram 20 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team