I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 7

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.2.3.5 -> 7

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

39. Obstruction

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

7. The Army

39. Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 39

Hexagram 蹇 (Jiǎn) symbolizes obstacles or obstructions. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or impediments on one's path. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and knowing when to retreat and when to push forward.

Hexagram 39 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇，利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。"
(Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest, not favorable to go northeast. It is beneficial to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises adjusting one's direction when facing obstacles. Success comes from going with the flow (symbolized by the southwest) rather than forcing one's way forward. Meeting with a wise person and persevering brings good fortune.

Hexagram 39 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
English Translation:
“Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. The superior person turns inward and cultivates virtue.”

The image of water on a mountain represents difficulties or obstacles that prevent easy progress. The superior person uses this time to turn inward, cultivating inner strength and virtue while waiting for the right time to act.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。"
(Wáng chén jiǎn jiǎn, fěi gōng zhī gù.)
English Translation:
“The king's servant is obstructed. It is not his fault.”

This line describes a situation where someone faces difficulties, but the obstruction is not due to their own actions. It advises patience and understanding that sometimes obstacles are beyond one's control.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"往蹇來反。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái fǎn.)
English Translation:
“Going brings obstruction, but returning brings a way out.”

This line advises recognizing when to retreat in the face of difficulties. By returning and reconsidering one's approach, a way out of the obstruction is found.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"大蹇，朋來。"
(Dà jiǎn, péng lái.)
English Translation:
“Great obstruction. Friends come.”

This line speaks of a serious obstacle, but one that brings help from friends or allies. It advises accepting support from others to overcome the difficulty.

Changing to:

7. The Army (師 Shī)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 7

Hexagram 師 (Shī) represents the army and the discipline and organization required to achieve victory. This hexagram speaks of leadership, collective effort, and the strength derived from unity and command.

Hexagram 7 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"师贞，丈人吉，无咎。"
(Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The Army needs perseverance and a strong leader. Good fortune. No blame.”

An army, or any collective effort, requires perseverance and a capable leader to succeed. When these conditions are met, good fortune follows, and no harm comes to those involved.

Hexagram 7 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有水，師。君子以容民畜众。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng.)
English Translation:
“Water is within the earth: The image of The Army. The superior person nourishes the people and builds a great community.”

The image of water within the earth represents the hidden strength and resources of a collective group. The superior person understands how to nurture and unite these resources, creating a strong and cohesive community.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team