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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.2.3.4 -> 3

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

43. Breakthrough

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

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.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team