I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 8

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.1.2.5.6 -> 8

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 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:

8. Holding Together (比 Bǐ)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 8

Hexagram 比 (Bǐ) represents union, closeness, and collaboration. It suggests that holding together with others leads to success. The hexagram emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, and the importance of working together toward a shared goal. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right companions to achieve unity.

Hexagram 8 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"比,吉。原筮,元永贞,无咎。不宁方来,后夫凶。"
(Bǐ, jí. Yuán shì, yuán yǒng zhēn, wú jiù. Bù níng fāng lái, hòu fū xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Holding together brings good fortune. Seek advice with sincerity. Persistence furthers. No blame. Those who are late will face misfortune.”

This hexagram emphasizes the benefits of coming together in cooperation. Seeking advice with sincerity and remaining persistent brings success. However, those who fail to join the group or act too late will face difficulties and misfortune.

Hexagram 8 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水上有地,比。君子以朋友讲习。"
(Shuǐ shàng yǒu dì, bǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ péng yǒu jiǎng xí.)
English Translation:
“There is land above the water: The image of Holding Together. The superior person takes time to teach and reflect with friends.”

The image of land above water suggests stability and support. Just as the land supports the water, relationships and cooperation provide strength. The superior person uses this time to engage with friends, sharing knowledge and mutual support.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team