I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 42 with Changing Lines 1, 5, 6 to Hexagram 2

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 42.1.5.6 -> 2

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

42. Increase

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

2. The Receptive

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) represents increase, growth, or expansion. This hexagram speaks of a time when positive developments and opportunities for growth are present. Success comes from giving and sharing with others, which leads to mutual benefit and prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"益，利有攸往，利涉大川。"
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Increase. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This hexagram advises taking advantage of opportunities for growth. Moving forward with purpose and crossing challenges (symbolized by the great river) brings success. By being generous and sharing resources, one fosters mutual prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。"
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
“Wind and thunder: The image of Increase. The superior person sees good and moves toward it. If they see a mistake, they correct it.”

The image of wind and thunder represents dynamic energy and growth. The superior person uses this energy to recognize opportunities for improvement and correction. By moving toward what is good and correcting errors, one fosters growth and success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"利用為大作，元吉，無咎。"
(Lì yòng wéi dà zuò, yuán jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“It is beneficial to undertake something great. Great good fortune. No blame.”

This line advises taking on a significant endeavor, as it leads to great good fortune. There is no blame in aiming high or pursuing ambitious goals during this time of increase.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚惠心，勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。"
(Yǒu fú huì xīn, wù wèn yuán jí. Yǒu fú huì wǒ dé.)
English Translation:
“Sincerity brings a generous heart. No need to ask; great good fortune comes. Sincerity benefits my virtue.”

This line advises that with sincerity and generosity, good fortune naturally follows. There is no need to ask for rewards—they come of their own accord. Sincerity strengthens virtue and leads to mutual benefit.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"無平不陂，無往不復。艱貞吉，利有攸往。"
(Wú píng bù bēi, wú wǎng bù fù. Jiān zhēn jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“There is no level ground that does not slope, no going forth without returning. Perseverance through difficulty brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This line speaks of the natural cycles of increase and decrease. Just as the ground slopes after a flat stretch, everything eventually returns. By persevering through difficult times, good fortune is found. It advises having a clear goal and moving toward it.

Changing to:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤，君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team