I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 43 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 7

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.1.3.4.5 -> 7

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

43. Breakthrough

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

7. The Army

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 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:

7. The Army (師 Shī)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 7

Hexagram 師 (Shī) represents the army and the discipline and organization required to achieve victory. This hexagram speaks of leadership, collective effort, and the strength derived from unity and command.

Hexagram 7 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"师贞，丈人吉，无咎。"
(Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The Army needs perseverance and a strong leader. Good fortune. No blame.”

An army, or any collective effort, requires perseverance and a capable leader to succeed. When these conditions are met, good fortune follows, and no harm comes to those involved.

Hexagram 7 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有水，師。君子以容民畜众。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng.)
English Translation:
“Water is within the earth: The image of The Army. The superior person nourishes the people and builds a great community.”

The image of water within the earth represents the hidden strength and resources of a collective group. The superior person understands how to nurture and unite these resources, creating a strong and cohesive community.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team