I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 43 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 8

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.1.2.3.4 -> 8

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.

Changing to:

8. Holding Together (比 Bǐ)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 8

Hexagram 比 (Bǐ) represents union, closeness, and collaboration. It suggests that holding together with others leads to success. The hexagram emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, and the importance of working together toward a shared goal. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right companions to achieve unity.

Hexagram 8 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"比,吉。原筮,元永贞,无咎。不宁方来,后夫凶。"
(Bǐ, jí. Yuán shì, yuán yǒng zhēn, wú jiù. Bù níng fāng lái, hòu fū xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Holding together brings good fortune. Seek advice with sincerity. Persistence furthers. No blame. Those who are late will face misfortune.”

This hexagram emphasizes the benefits of coming together in cooperation. Seeking advice with sincerity and remaining persistent brings success. However, those who fail to join the group or act too late will face difficulties and misfortune.

Hexagram 8 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水上有地,比。君子以朋友讲习。"
(Shuǐ shàng yǒu dì, bǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ péng yǒu jiǎng xí.)
English Translation:
“There is land above the water: The image of Holding Together. The superior person takes time to teach and reflect with friends.”

The image of land above water suggests stability and support. Just as the land supports the water, relationships and cooperation provide strength. The superior person uses this time to engage with friends, sharing knowledge and mutual support.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team