I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5 to Hexagram 6
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.1.4.5 -> 6
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
"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.)
“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
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
“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
"已事遄往，無咎，酌損之。"
(Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù, zhuó sǔn zhī.)
“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 4 Changing
"損其疾，使遄有喜，無咎。"
(Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ, wú jiù.)
“Decrease the illness. If done quickly, there is joy and no blame.”
This line advises acting quickly to reduce or eliminate a problem (symbolized by illness). By addressing the issue promptly, one finds relief and joy, avoiding blame or further complications.
Line 5 Changing
"或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。"
(Huò yì zhī, shí péng zhī guī fú kè wéi, yuán jí.)
“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.
Changing to:
6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 6
Hexagram Sòng (Conflict) represents a time of dispute or disagreement. This hexagram signals a moment when conflicts must be addressed. The key to resolution lies in upholding righteousness and avoiding impulsive reactions driven by anger or emotion.
Hexagram 6 Judgment
"有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
“Conflict demands sincerity. Be cautious and halt before it escalates. There is success in the middle, but disaster awaits at the end. It is beneficial to consult a wise person, but unfavorable to undertake major ventures, like crossing a great river.”
Conflict is best managed through sincerity and careful restraint. Success comes from resolving disputes in the middle stage, before they intensify. While there may be some early success, prolonged conflict leads to harm. Seeking advice from a wise figure is beneficial, but engaging in large-scale endeavors (crossing a great river) is unwise during this time.
Hexagram 6 Image
"天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。"
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
“Heaven and water move in opposite directions—this is the image of Conflict. The wise person uses this time to plan carefully at the outset of any endeavor.”
Heaven and water moving apart symbolize discord and opposition. The wise person uses this time to strategize and avoid rushing into any new ventures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in navigating conflict.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team