I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 46 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 46.2.4.5.6 -> 33

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"升,元亨,用見大人,勿恤,南征吉。"
(Shēng, yuán hēng, yòng jiàn dàrén, wù xù, nán zhēng jí.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"孚乃利用禴,无咎。"
(Fú nǎi lì yòng yuè, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Sincerity brings the opportunity to make a small offering. No blame.”

This line speaks of sincere efforts leading to the opportunity to contribute or offer something of value. Even a small offering brings success, and there is no blame in working steadily toward one's goals.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"王用亨于岐山,吉无咎。"
(Wáng yòng hēng yú qí shān, jí wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉,升階。"
(Zhēn jí, shēng jiē.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"冥升,利于不息之貞。"
(Míng shēng, lì yú bù xī zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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:

33. Retreat (遯 Dùn)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 33

Hexagram 遯 (Dùn) symbolizes strategic retreat in the face of superior forces. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and conserve strength rather than continue fighting a losing battle. Success comes from prudence and waiting for better conditions.

Hexagram 33 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"遯,亨。小利貞。"
(Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Retreat. Success. Perseverance brings small gain.”

This hexagram advises a strategic retreat in the face of difficulties. Success comes from knowing when to pull back, rather than pushing forward in unfavorable conditions. Perseverance brings small but important gains.

Hexagram 33 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有山,遯。君子以遠小人,不惡而嚴。"
(Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán.)
English Translation:
“The mountain stands beneath heaven: The image of Retreat. The superior person keeps distant from inferior people without hatred but maintains dignity.”

The image of the mountain under heaven suggests a time for standing firm and maintaining distance. The superior person knows when to withdraw from negative influences while remaining dignified and unresentful.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team