I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 46 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 46.1.4.5.6 -> 1
46. Pushing Upward (升 Shēng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 46
Hexagram 升 (Shēng) represents upward progress, growth, and advancement. This hexagram speaks of steady, consistent effort to improve one's position or circumstances. Success comes from persistence, gradual advancement, and humility.
Hexagram 46 Judgment
"升,元亨,用見大人,勿恤,南征吉。"
(Shēng, yuán hēng, yòng jiàn dàrén, wù xù, nán zhēng jí.)
“Pushing Upward. Supreme success. It is favorable to see the great person. Do not worry. Going south brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises slow and steady progress toward one's goals. Success comes from seeking the guidance of a wise person, remaining patient, and advancing in a humble and deliberate manner. The direction south symbolizes a favorable course of action.
Hexagram 46 Image
"地中生木,升。君子以順德,積小以高大。"
(Dì zhōng shēng mù, shēng. Jūn zǐ yǐ shùn dé, jī xiǎo yǐ gāo dà.)
“Wood grows up from the earth: The image of Pushing Upward. The superior person, by cultivating virtue, builds small things to achieve greatness.”
The image of wood growing from the earth symbolizes slow, steady growth. The superior person cultivates their character and gradually builds up small successes into great accomplishments. Patience and consistency are key.
Line 1 Changing
"允升,大吉。"
(Yǔn shēng, dà jí.)
“Sincere advancement. Great good fortune.”
This line advises making sincere, honest efforts toward upward progress. By remaining true to one's goals, great good fortune follows. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in advancing.
Line 4 Changing
"王用亨于岐山,吉无咎。"
(Wáng yòng hēng yú qí shān, jí wú jiù.)
“The king offers sacrifices on Mount Qi. Good fortune. No blame.”
This line speaks of a leader making offerings and sacrifices to honor the higher powers, symbolized by Mount Qi. It advises humility and dedication to the greater good, which leads to success and the removal of blame.
Line 5 Changing
"貞吉,升階。"
(Zhēn jí, shēng jiē.)
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Advancing step by step.”
This line advises persevering in one's efforts, advancing slowly and steadily. Step-by-step progress leads to success, and good fortune follows from consistent, careful effort.
Line 6 Changing
"冥升,利于不息之貞。"
(Míng shēng, lì yú bù xī zhī zhēn.)
“Advancing into darkness. It is beneficial to persevere without rest.”
This line describes advancing into unknown or uncertain circumstances, symbolized by darkness. It advises persevering without stopping, trusting that progress will eventually bring success, even when the path is unclear.
Changing to:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
"元亨,利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”
The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.
Hexagram 1 Image
"天行健,君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”
The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team