I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 43 with Changing Lines 4, 6 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 43.4.6 -> 9

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 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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"无號,終有凶。"
(Wú hào, zhōng yǒu xiōng.)
English Translation:
“No warning leads to misfortune in the end.”

This line warns against ignoring signs of danger or failing to give proper warning. Without caution or foresight, misfortune is inevitable. It advises paying attention to potential risks and acting accordingly.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜,亨。密云不雨,自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上,小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team