I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 41 with Changing Lines 2, 6 to Hexagram 24
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 41.2.6 -> 24
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 2 Changing
"利貞，征凶，弗損，益之。"
(Lì zhēn, zhēng xiōng, fú sǔn, yì zhī.)
“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 6 Changing
"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.)
“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:
24. Return (復 Fù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 24
Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.
Hexagram 24 Judgment
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”
This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.
Hexagram 24 Image
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”
The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team