I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 47 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 36

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.1.2.3.4.5 -> 36

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

47. Oppression

Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin Yang

36. Darkening of the Light

47. Oppression (困 Kùn)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 47

Hexagram 困 (Kùn) represents oppression, hardship, or restriction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one is trapped or hindered by external pressures or internal struggles. Success comes from endurance, inner strength, and seeking support from others.

Hexagram 47 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"困，亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。"
(Kùn, hēng, zhēn dàrén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.)
English Translation:
“Oppression. Success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the great person. No blame. Words are not believed.”

This hexagram advises persevering through hardship and remaining true to one's principles. Success comes from maintaining integrity despite oppression. Although others may not believe in one's words, staying committed leads to good fortune.

Hexagram 47 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。"
(Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.)
English Translation:
“The lake has no water: The image of Oppression. The superior person brings their fate to completion and fulfills their will.”

The image of a dry lake represents a time of lack and hardship. The superior person, however, continues to pursue their purpose, even in the face of adversity. By accepting their fate and remaining determined, they fulfill their mission.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三歲不覿。"
(Tún kùn yú zhū mù, rù yú yōu gǔ, sān suì bù dí.)
English Translation:
“Oppressed by a wooden stockade. Entering into a dark valley. For three years, one does not see the light.”

This line describes being trapped and oppressed, symbolized by the wooden stockade and the dark valley. It advises patience and endurance, as the situation may take time to resolve.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"困于酒食，朱紱方來，利用享祀。征凶，无咎。"
(Kùn yú jiǔ shí, zhū fú fāng lái, lì yòng xiǎng sì. Zhēng xiōng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Oppressed by food and drink. Scarlet sashes come forward. It is favorable to make offerings and sacrifices. Going forward brings misfortune, but there is no blame.”

This line warns against being overly distracted by material pleasures or indulgences (food and drink). It advises making sacrifices and remaining focused on spiritual or higher goals. Although advancing is difficult, there is no blame for enduring the hardship.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"困于石，据于蒺藜，入于其宮，不見其妻，凶。"
(Kùn yú shí, jù yú jí lí, rù yú qí gōng, bù jiàn qí qī, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Oppressed by rocks, clinging to thorn bushes. Entering the palace, one does not see their wife. Misfortune.”

This line describes severe hardship, where progress is blocked by physical and emotional obstacles (rocks and thorns). It advises that isolation and separation from loved ones may lead to misfortune, and patience is needed to overcome the situation.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"來徐徐，困于金車，吝，有終。"
(Lái xú xú, kùn yú jīn chē, lìn, yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Arriving slowly. Oppressed in a golden chariot. Regret, but the end is favorable.”

This line describes slow progress and the burden of wealth or material possessions (symbolized by the golden chariot). Although there is regret, the situation eventually resolves favorably. It advises patience and steady progress.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"劓刖，困于赤紱，乃徐有說，利用祭祀。"
(Yì yuè, kùn yú chì fú, nǎi xú yǒu shuō, lì yòng jì sì.)
English Translation:
“Nose and feet are cut off. Oppressed by a red sash. Gradually, there is joy. It is favorable to make offerings and sacrifices.”

This line speaks of extreme hardship and oppression, symbolized by the loss of physical abilities and the burden of authority (the red sash). However, through endurance and perseverance, relief and joy gradually come. It advises making spiritual offerings to overcome the hardship.

Changing to:

36. Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 36

Hexagram 明夷 (Míng Yí) represents a time when clarity and light are obscured. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or oppression, where one's light is dimmed or hidden. Success comes from remaining patient and inwardly strong while waiting for the right time to act.

Hexagram 36 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷，利艱貞。"
(Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light. It is favorable to persevere in hardship.”

This hexagram advises perseverance during times of difficulty, when clarity and light are obscured. Success comes from remaining inwardly strong and enduring through hardship without losing hope.

Hexagram 36 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"明入地中，明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。"
(Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng.)
English Translation:
“The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. The superior person manages the people by obscuring their brilliance but remaining internally bright.”

The image of light sinking into the earth symbolizes a time of concealment or oppression. The superior person hides their brilliance to protect themselves but continues to maintain clarity and wisdom within.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team