I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 38 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 38.2.4.5.6 -> 3

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

38. Opposition

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

38. Opposition (睽 Kuí)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 38

Hexagram 睽 (Kuí) represents opposition or divergence. This hexagram speaks of differences between people or situations, where opposing forces or viewpoints lead to tension. Success comes from recognizing and managing these differences.

Hexagram 38 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"睽，小事吉。"
(Kuí, xiǎo shì jí.)
English Translation:
“Opposition. Small matters bring good fortune.”

This hexagram advises focusing on small matters and resolving them carefully during times of opposition. Success comes from managing differences and not letting minor conflicts escalate into major problems.

Hexagram 38 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"上火下澤，睽。君子以同而異。"
(Shàng huǒ xià zé, kuí. Jūn zǐ yǐ tóng ér yì.)
English Translation:
“Fire above, the lake below: The image of Opposition. The superior person seeks unity in diversity.”

The image of fire above and the lake below represents two opposing forces. The superior person seeks to find harmony within these differences, recognizing that unity can be found even in diversity.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"遇主于巷，无咎。"
(Yù zhǔ yú xiàng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Meeting the leader in an alley. No blame.”

This line describes an unexpected encounter with someone of authority or importance. It advises not to worry, as this meeting brings no harm. The situation is neutral and offers no danger.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"睽孤，遇元夫，交孚，厲，无咎。"
(Kuí gū, yù yuán fū, jiāo fú, lì, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Opposition leads to isolation. Meeting a great person, trust develops. Danger, but no blame.”

This line describes the isolation that comes from opposition, but a meeting with a wise or great person brings trust and understanding. Although there is some danger, it can be navigated without blame.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡，厥宗噬膚，往何咎？"
(Huǐ wáng, jué zōng shì fū, wǎng hé jiù?)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears. The ancestor bites through the skin. Going forward brings no blame.”

This line describes the resolution of past regrets. The ancestor biting through the skin represents the removal of a superficial problem, allowing for healing. Moving forward brings no blame, as the issue has been resolved.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"睽孤見豕負塗，載鬼一車，先張之弧，後説之弧，匪寇婚媾，往遇雨則吉。"
(Kuí gū jiàn shǐ fù tú, zài guǐ yī chē, xiān zhāng zhī hú, hòu shuō zhī hú, fěi kòu hūn gòu, wǎng yù yǔ zé jí.)
English Translation:
“In opposition, one sees a pig covered with mud, a cart loaded with ghosts. First, the bow is drawn, then put down. This is not a bandit but a suitor. Going forward and meeting with rain brings good fortune.”

This line describes a strange and unsettling situation, but it is not as dangerous as it appears. What seems threatening (a pig and ghosts) is actually benign (a suitor). Moving forward with confidence and encountering 'rain' (a symbol of blessings) brings good fortune.

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