I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 21

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.2.4 -> 21

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

41. Decrease

Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin Yang

21. Biting Through

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 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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"損其疾，使遄有喜，無咎。"
(Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 21

Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.

Hexagram 21 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”

This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.

Hexagram 21 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”

The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team