I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 43 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.2.3.4.5 -> 24

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

43. Breakthrough

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

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 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:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team