I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 44 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 44.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 24

44. Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 44

Hexagram 姤 (Gòu) represents an unexpected encounter or meeting. This hexagram speaks of sudden developments or the arrival of someone or something unexpected. Success comes from being prepared and handling the encounter with care.

Hexagram 44 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"姤,女壯,勿用取女。"
(Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ.)
English Translation:
“Coming to Meet. The woman is strong. Do not marry such a woman.”

This hexagram advises caution when dealing with unexpected encounters, especially if the situation involves a strong or dominant force. The reference to not marrying such a woman speaks to the need for careful consideration and not rushing into commitments.

Hexagram 44 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有風,姤。後以施命誥四方。"
(Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sìfāng.)
English Translation:
“Wind beneath heaven: The image of Coming to Meet. The superior person announces their commands to the four corners of the world.”

The image of wind beneath heaven represents a message or announcement being carried far and wide. The superior person, like the wind, spreads their influence and communicates clearly with others.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"繫于金柅,貞吉。有攸往,見凶,牽羊悔亡,聞言不信。"
(Xì yú jīn nì, zhēn jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, jiàn xiōng, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.)
English Translation:
“Tied with a metal brake. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one continues, they meet with misfortune. Pulling a sheep, regret disappears. Hearing words but not believing them.”

This line speaks of restraint, symbolized by the metal brake. While perseverance brings good fortune, pushing forward too forcefully leads to misfortune. By taking things slowly and reflecting, regret disappears. It warns against disbelief in helpful advice.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包有魚,無咎,不利賓。"
(Bāo yǒu yú, wú jiù, bù lì bīn.)
English Translation:
“There is fish in the bag. No blame. It is not favorable to act as a host.”

This line describes an unexpected gain (symbolized by fish in the bag), which brings no blame. However, it advises against acting as a host or assuming leadership at this time, as this may not be favorable.

Line 3 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 speaks of challenges and difficulties in moving forward, symbolized by the lack of flesh. By making the necessary effort and following advice, regret disappears. However, disbelief in good advice can prolong difficulties.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包無魚,起凶。"
(Bāo wú yú, qǐ xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The bag is empty. Misfortune rises.”

This line describes a situation where nothing is gained (the bag is empty). It warns that misfortune may arise if one acts without considering the risks or if expectations are too high. It advises caution in managing resources and expectations.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"以杞包瓜,含章,有隕自天。"
(Yǐ qǐ bāo guā, hán zhāng, yǒu yǔn zì tiān.)
English Translation:
“Wrapping melons in willow leaves. Containing brilliance. There is a fall from heaven.”

This line describes containing something precious (symbolized by the melon) with something fragile (willow leaves). It speaks of great potential, but also the risk of loss or failure. It advises protecting what is valuable and being cautious of outside forces.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"姤其角,吝,無咎。"
(Gòu qí jiǎo, lìn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Meeting with horns. There is regret, but no blame.”

This line describes an encounter with conflict or opposition, symbolized by horns. While there may be regret or difficulty, there is no blame if one handles the situation with care. It advises caution and avoiding unnecessary confrontation.

When All Lines are Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"用九,元吉。"
(Yòng jiǔ, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“In the end, great good fortune.”

The final comment reinforces that by handling unexpected encounters or developments with care and restraint, great good fortune is achieved. Success comes from being prepared and managing situations wisely.

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