I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 3, 4 to Hexagram 45

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.3.4 -> 45

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

39. Obstruction

Yin Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

45. Gathering Together

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 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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"往蹇來連。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái lián.)
English Translation:
“Going brings obstruction, but returning brings connection.”

This line describes a situation where pushing forward leads to more difficulty, but retreating brings opportunities to reconnect with others and find support.

Changing to:

45. Gathering Together (萃 Cuì)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 45

Hexagram 萃 (Cuì) represents gathering together or assembling. This hexagram speaks of the strength and unity that come from collective efforts. Success comes from mutual support, working toward a common goal, and joining forces to overcome challenges.

Hexagram 45 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"萃，亨。王假有廟，利見大人，亨，利貞。"
(Cuì, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì jiàn dàrén, hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to meet the great person. Success. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises coming together for a common purpose. Success comes from collective efforts and seeking wise counsel. The image of the king approaching the temple symbolizes the importance of ritual, tradition, and collective harmony.

Hexagram 45 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤上于地，萃。君子以除戎器，戒不虞。"
(Zé shàng yú dì, cuì. Jūn zǐ yǐ chú róng qì, jiè bù yú.)
English Translation:
“The lake rises up to the earth: The image of Gathering Together. The superior person takes up weapons of war and guards against unexpected attacks.”

The image of the lake rising to the earth symbolizes unity and preparation. The superior person remains vigilant and prepared, guarding against unforeseen dangers, while fostering harmony and unity within the group.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team