I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 44 with Changing Lines 4, 5 to Hexagram 18

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 44.4.5 -> 18

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

44. Coming to Meet

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yang Yin

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled

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 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.

Changing to:

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
English Translation:
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”

This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”

The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team