I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 39

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.1.2.3.5.6 -> 39

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

41. Decrease

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin

39. Obstruction

41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 41

Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Hexagram 41 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Hexagram 41 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
English Translation:
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"已事遄往，無咎，酌損之。"
(Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù, zhuó sǔn zhī.)
English Translation:
“Finished with affairs, quickly move on. No blame. Consider making a reduction.”

This line advises completing current tasks and moving on without delay. It suggests considering where reductions or sacrifices can be made in order to progress without blame or difficulty.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"利貞，征凶，弗損，益之。"
(Lì zhēn, zhēng xiōng, fú sǔn, yì zhī.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Going forward brings misfortune. When no decrease is possible, it brings increase.”

This line advises perseverance but warns that rushing forward leads to misfortune. If no further decrease is possible, it may indicate that increase is the next step. It suggests knowing when to stop decreasing and start growing again.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"三人行，則損一人。一人行，則得其友。"
(Sān rén xíng, zé sǔn yī rén. Yī rén xíng, zé dé qí yǒu.)
English Translation:
“When three people journey together, one is subtracted. When one person journeys alone, they find a companion.”

This line speaks of decrease within a group. When too many are involved, one must be removed for balance. However, if one travels alone, they will find a helpful companion. It advises understanding the dynamics of groups and individuals.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。"
(Huò yì zhī, shí péng zhī guī fú kè wéi, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“Someone increases it. A tortoise of ten friends cannot oppose it. Great good fortune.”

This line speaks of an unexpected increase or gift that cannot be refused. Like a valuable tortoise offered by ten friends, this increase brings great good fortune. It advises accepting help or increase when it comes.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"弗損，益之，無咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。"
(Fú sǔn, yì zhī, wú jiù, zhēn jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, dé chén wú jiā.)
English Translation:
“No decrease, but increase. No blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to go forward. You gain a servant without a household.”

This line speaks of a time when no decrease is necessary, and instead, increase comes. This brings good fortune and encourages perseverance. It suggests moving forward confidently, as new help or resources arrive.

Changing to:

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team