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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 34.1.2.3.4 -> 2

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

34. The Power of the Great

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

2. The Receptive

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.

Changing to:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤，君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team