I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 45 with Changing Lines 1, 4 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 45.1.4 -> 3

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

45. Gathering Together

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

45. Gathering Together (萃 Cuì)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 45

Hexagram 萃 (Cuì) represents gathering together or assembling. This hexagram speaks of the strength and unity that come from collective efforts. Success comes from mutual support, working toward a common goal, and joining forces to overcome challenges.

Hexagram 45 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"萃，亨。王假有廟，利見大人，亨，利貞。"
(Cuì, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì jiàn dàrén, hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to meet the great person. Success. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises coming together for a common purpose. Success comes from collective efforts and seeking wise counsel. The image of the king approaching the temple symbolizes the importance of ritual, tradition, and collective harmony.

Hexagram 45 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤上于地，萃。君子以除戎器，戒不虞。"
(Zé shàng yú dì, cuì. Jūn zǐ yǐ chú róng qì, jiè bù yú.)
English Translation:
“The lake rises up to the earth: The image of Gathering Together. The superior person takes up weapons of war and guards against unexpected attacks.”

The image of the lake rising to the earth symbolizes unity and preparation. The superior person remains vigilant and prepared, guarding against unforeseen dangers, while fostering harmony and unity within the group.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚不終，乃亂乃萃。若號，一握為笑，勿恤，往無咎。"
(Yǒu fú bù zhōng, nǎi luàn nǎi cuì. Ruò hào, yī wò wéi xiào, wù xù, wǎng wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Trust is incomplete. First there is disorder, then gathering. If one cries out and then laughs, there is no need to worry. Going forward brings no blame.”

Initial trust is lacking, causing confusion before unity is achieved. By expressing concerns and persevering, harmony is restored. Moving forward carries no blame.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"大吉无咎。"
(Dà jí wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Great good fortune. No blame.”

This line signifies a harmonious gathering with clear intentions, resulting in great success and freedom from blame.

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