I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 42 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 54

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 42.2.4.5.6 -> 54

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

42. Increase

Yin Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang

54. The Marrying Maiden

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 2 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 be opposed. Great good fortune.”

This line describes an unexpected gift or increase from others, which brings great good fortune. Like a tortoise, the increase is steady and cannot be opposed. It advises accepting help and gifts when they come.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"中行告公從，利用為依遷國。"
(Zhōng xíng gào gōng cóng, lì yòng wéi yī qiān guó.)
English Translation:
“A middle path is followed. The leader agrees. It is beneficial to relocate the capital.”

This line describes successful communication with a leader, resulting in their support. It advises following a balanced approach and making necessary changes (such as relocating). By doing so, the foundation is strengthened.

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:

54. The Marrying Maiden (歸妹 Guī Mèi)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 54

Hexagram 歸妹 (Guī Mèi) represents the marrying maiden, symbolizing the secondary role and the idea of following established protocols. This hexagram speaks of relationships where one may not have full autonomy, requiring adaptation. Success comes from understanding one's position and accepting supportive roles.

Hexagram 54 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"歸妹，征凶，无攸利。"
(Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“The Marrying Maiden. Going forward brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.”

This hexagram advises caution in advancing into a situation where one lacks full authority or power, as misfortune may follow. It speaks of accepting limitations and adapting to circumstances without overreaching.

Hexagram 54 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤上有雷，歸妹。君子以永終知敝。"
(Zé shàng yǒu léi, guī mèi. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǒng zhōng zhī bì.)
English Translation:
“Thunder over the lake: The image of The Marrying Maiden. The superior person is careful about endings and recognizes the imperfection of things.”

The image of thunder over the lake symbolizes a situation of imbalance, where one must adapt to changing conditions. The superior person understands that all things are temporary and imperfect, leading to wisdom and balance.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team