I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 36 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 29

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 36.1.2.3.5 -> 29

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

36. Darkening of the Light

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin

29. The Abysmal (Water)

36. Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 36

Hexagram 明夷 (Míng Yí) represents a time when clarity and light are obscured. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or oppression, where one's light is dimmed or hidden. Success comes from remaining patient and inwardly strong while waiting for the right time to act.

Hexagram 36 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷，利艱貞。"
(Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light. It is favorable to persevere in hardship.”

This hexagram advises perseverance during times of difficulty, when clarity and light are obscured. Success comes from remaining inwardly strong and enduring through hardship without losing hope.

Hexagram 36 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"明入地中，明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。"
(Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng.)
English Translation:
“The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. The superior person manages the people by obscuring their brilliance but remaining internally bright.”

The image of light sinking into the earth symbolizes a time of concealment or oppression. The superior person hides their brilliance to protect themselves but continues to maintain clarity and wisdom within.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷于飛，垂其翼。君子于行，三日不食，有攸往，主人有言。"
(Míng yí yú fēi, chuí qí yì. Jūn zǐ yú xíng, sān rì bù shí, yǒu yōu wǎng, zhǔ rén yǒu yán.)
English Translation:
“The light has been obscured in flight. The wings hang down. The superior person, in their journey, fasts for three days. There is somewhere to go. The leader speaks.”

This line describes a time of restraint, where one must hide their brilliance and prepare internally. Fasting for three days symbolizes purification and readiness. Although there is difficulty, there is still a path forward, and guidance will come.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷，夷于左股，用拯馬壯，吉。"
(Míng yí, yí yú zuǒ gǔ, yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light, wounding the left thigh. Using a strong horse to rescue brings good fortune.”

This line describes being wounded or hindered, symbolized by an injury to the thigh. However, using strength and determination (the strong horse) to overcome the difficulty leads to good fortune.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷于南狩，得其大首，不可疾貞。"
(Míng yí yú nán shòu, dé qí dà shǒu, bù kě jí zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light during the hunt in the south. Catching the leader of the group. It is not wise to act hastily.”

This line describes a successful capture of a key figure, but it advises against acting too quickly. Although the leader has been caught, patience is needed before taking further action.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"箕子之明夷，利貞。"
(Jī zǐ zhī míng yí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The darkening of the light of the Prince of Ji. Perseverance brings benefit.”

This line refers to the story of the Prince of Ji, who suffered greatly but maintained his inner clarity and strength. Perseverance through difficult times brings ultimate success.

Changing to:

29. The Abysmal (Water) (坎 Kǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 29

Hexagram 坎 (Kǎn) symbolizes danger, difficulty, and the need to navigate through perilous situations. This hexagram speaks of repeated challenges and the need for resilience and wisdom in order to move through difficulties successfully.

Hexagram 29 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"習坎，有孚，維心亨，行有尚。"
(Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng.)
English Translation:
“The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do has merit.”

This hexagram speaks of repeated dangers, symbolized by water that constantly flows and faces obstacles. Success comes from being sincere and steady in the face of these challenges. Inner strength and determination bring merit and success.

Hexagram 29 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水流至坎，習坎。君子以常德行，習教事。"
(Shuǐ liú zhì kǎn, xí kǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ cháng dé xíng, xí jiào shì.)
English Translation:
“Water flows into the abyss: The image of The Abysmal. The superior person cultivates virtue and continues their teaching.”

The image of water flowing into the abyss represents constant challenges. The superior person uses these challenges to cultivate inner strength and virtue, continuing their teaching and work despite difficulties.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team