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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 38.3.4.5.6 -> 5

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

38. Opposition

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"見輿曳，其牛掣，其人天且劓，无初有終。"
(Jiàn yú yè, qí niú chè, qí rén tiān qiě yì, wú chū yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Seeing a cart being dragged, the ox is pulling back, the person is cut off and their nose is cut. No beginning, but an end.”

This line describes a difficult and unpleasant situation, where things are not going as planned. The person is struggling and faces punishment, but the situation resolves itself over time. It advises patience, as the end is better than the beginning.

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:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team