I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 35 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 35.1.4.5.6 -> 3

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

35. Progress

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

35. Progress (晉 Jìn)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 35

Hexagram 晉 (Jìn) represents progress and advancement. This hexagram speaks of a time of rapid movement and development, fueled by enthusiasm and the support of others. Success comes from steady, forward motion and remaining adaptable.

Hexagram 35 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"晉，康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接。"
(Jìn, kāng hóu yòng xī mǎ fán shù, zhòu rì sān jiē.)
English Translation:
“Progress. The prince is honored with horses in large numbers. He is granted audience three times in one day.”

This hexagram describes a time of rapid progress, where great honors and opportunities come frequently. Success comes from maintaining this momentum and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Hexagram 35 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"明出地上，晉。君子以自昭明德。"
(Míng chū dì shàng, jìn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zì zhāo míng dé.)
English Translation:
“The sun rises above the earth: The image of Progress. The superior person illuminates their own virtue.”

The image of the sun rising represents progress and growth. The superior person uses this time to bring clarity and illumination to their virtues, spreading light and understanding to others.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"晉如摧如，貞吉。罔孚，裕无咎。"
(Jìn rú cuī rú, zhēn jí. Wǎng fú, yù wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Progressing but hindered. Perseverance brings good fortune. No blame for not being believed.”

This line describes progress that is hindered or blocked, but perseverance leads to success. Although others may not believe in the progress at first, remaining steady ensures good fortune.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"晉如鼫鼠，貞厲。"
(Jìn rú shí shǔ, zhēn lì.)
English Translation:
“Advancing like a rat. Perseverance brings danger.”

This line warns against advancing in a sneaky or underhanded way, like a rat. Although perseverance is advised, acting in a less-than-honorable manner brings danger. It advises caution in how one moves forward.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡，失得勿恤，往吉，無不利。"
(Huǐ wáng, shī dé wù xù, wǎng jí, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears. Do not worry about loss or gain. Going forward brings good fortune. Everything is favorable.”

This line advises not to worry about material loss or gain. By moving forward with confidence, good fortune follows. It is a time when everything is favorable and regret fades away.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"晉其角，維用伐邑，厲吉，无咎，貞吝。"
(Jìn qí jiǎo, wéi yòng fá yì, lì jí, wú jiù, zhēn lìn.)
English Translation:
“Advancing with horns. Only to conquer the city. Danger, but good fortune. No blame, but perseverance leads to regret.”

This line describes aggressive progress, like advancing with horns. It suggests danger but also good fortune, especially in conquering challenges. However, perseverance may lead to regret if not tempered with wisdom.

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