I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 47 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.1.3.4.6 -> 9

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 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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"困于葛藟,于臲卼,曰動悔。有悔,征吉。"
(Kùn yú gé lěi, yú niè wù, yuē dòng huǐ. Yǒu huǐ, zhēng jí.)
English Translation:
“Oppressed by vines. Struggling on uneven ground. Moving leads to regret. Regret disappears. Going forward brings good fortune.”

This line describes being trapped by entanglements (vines) and struggling to find balance on uneven ground. Although moving forward initially brings regret, persevering leads to good fortune. It advises not giving up, even when the path is difficult.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜,亨。密云不雨,自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上,小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team