I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 47 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 15

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.2.3.4.5 -> 15

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 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:

15. Modesty (謙 Qiān)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 15

Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) symbolizes modesty. This hexagram represents the virtue of humility, where individuals acknowledge their limitations and act without arrogance. Modesty brings success by allowing growth and development without drawing negative attention.

Hexagram 15 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"謙亨,君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Modesty creates success. The superior person completes their task.”

This hexagram advises modest behavior and humility as the key to success. The superior person accomplishes their goals by staying humble and grounded. Modesty allows them to remain focused and avoid unnecessary challenges.

Hexagram 15 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有山,謙。君子以裒多益寡,稱物平施。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)
English Translation:
“Within the earth, there is a mountain: The image of Modesty. The superior person reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little, thus balancing the gift of things.”

The image of a mountain within the earth symbolizes hidden strength. The superior person uses this time to balance things, helping those with less and gently reducing the excess of those with more. This creates harmony and equilibrium in the world.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team