I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 43 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 2

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.1.2.3.4.5 -> 2

43. Breakthrough

2. The Receptive

43. Breakthrough (夬 Guài)

Trigrams

Above: ☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below: ☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 43

Hexagram 夬 (Guài) represents a decisive breakthrough or resolution. This hexagram speaks of a time when a critical decision must be made to overcome a situation. Success comes from firm, decisive action and clear communication.

Hexagram 43 Judgment

The Judgment reads:

Original Chinese:
"夬，揚于王庭，孚號有厲，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。"
(Guài, yáng yú wáng tíng, fú hào yǒu lì, gào zì yì, bù lì jí róng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

English Translation:

“Breakthrough. The decision is announced in the court of the king. There is danger, but the proclamation is trusted. Do not approach the army. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises taking decisive action to resolve a difficult situation. Success comes from making a clear, public decision (symbolized by the court of the king). However, there is danger, so one must proceed with caution and not rush into conflict.

Hexagram 43 Image

The Image reads:

Original Chinese:
"澤上于天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。"
(Zé shàng yú tiān, guài. Jūn zǐ yǐ shī lù jí xià, jū dé zé jì.)

English Translation:

“The lake rises to heaven: The image of Breakthrough. The superior person shares their fortune with those below and restrains themselves with virtue.”

The image of a lake rising represents the need to control and direct energy to prevent excess. The superior person, like the lake, shares their good fortune with others but remains humble and restrained, ensuring balance and harmony.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"壯于前趾，往不勝為咎。"
(Zhuàng yú qián zhǐ, wǎng bù shèng wéi jiù.)

English Translation:

“Strength in the toes. Going forward is not favorable and brings blame.”

This line warns against acting too quickly or impulsively, as strength in the toes (a symbol of early or premature action) leads to failure and blame. It advises waiting before moving forward.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"惕號，莫夜有戎，勿恤。"
(Tì hào, mò yè yǒu róng, wù xù.)

English Translation:

“Caution and alarm. There is danger at night, but do not worry.”

This line describes a situation of danger and uncertainty, symbolized by threats at night. While there is cause for caution, it advises not to worry excessively, as the situation can be managed with care.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"壯于頄，有凶。君子夬夬，獨行遇雨，若濡有慍，無咎。"
(Zhuàng yú kuí, yǒu xiōng. Jūn zǐ guài guài, dú xíng yù yǔ, ruò rú yǒu yùn, wú jiù.)

English Translation:

“Strength in the jaws brings misfortune. The superior person decides resolutely and walks alone, encountering rain. Becoming soaked leads to resentment, but there is no blame.”

This line warns against using too much force (symbolized by strength in the jaws) and advises making a resolute decision without becoming overbearing. While difficulties may arise (getting soaked in the rain), there is no blame if one remains patient.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"臀无膚，其行次且，牽羊悔亡，聞言不信。"
(Tún wú fū, qí xíng cì qiě, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.)

English Translation:

“The buttocks have no flesh. One walks with difficulty. Pulling a sheep, regret disappears. Hearing words but not believing them.”

This line describes difficulty in moving forward, but by making the necessary effort (pulling the sheep), regret disappears. It warns against disbelief in advice or guidance, which may lead to further challenges.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:

Original Chinese:
"苋陆夬夬，中行无咎。"
(Xiàn lù guài guài, zhōng xíng wú jiù.)

English Translation:

“Resolute like the stem of the amaranth plant. Walking the middle path brings no blame.”

This line advises making a clear and firm decision, like the strong stem of a plant. By walking a balanced middle path, one avoids blame and ensures success. It speaks of finding strength in moderation.

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