I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 47 with Changing Lines 2, 3 to Hexagram 31
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.2.3 -> 31
47. Constraint (困 Kùn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 47
Hexagram 困 (Kùn) describes constraint—pressure that limits movement and expression. Resources are restricted, and external conditions do not support expansion.
Water beneath the lake shows depletion. What should nourish is trapped below, leaving the surface without support. Constraint arises when flow is blocked.
Hexagram 47 Judgment
困，亨，貞大人吉，无咎，有言不信。
(Kùn, hēng, zhēn dà rén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.)
"Constraint. There is success. Stability in what is established brings good fortune. No fault. Expression is not trusted."
This hexagram describes a condition where external constraint limits action, yet inner alignment remains intact. Success is not outward—it is maintained through internal stability.
Communication loses effectiveness under constraint. Words do not carry weight, so progress depends on endurance and integrity rather than persuasion.
Hexagram 47 Image
澤無水，困。君子以致命遂志。
(Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.)
"The lake is without water: constraint. What remains is carried through to completion."
The outer structure appears intact, but the essential resource is missing. This creates pressure without release.
Under these conditions, one does not expand outward, but instead completes what must be carried through internally.
Line 2 Changing
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.)
"Constrained by provision and circumstance. Structure approaches. It is beneficial to maintain connection. Moving forward brings difficulty, but no fault."
Constraint exists within conditions that should support but instead limit. External structure begins to appear.
Rather than forcing progress, alignment with what is forming is required. Advancement is difficult, but remaining steady avoids error.
Line 3 Changing
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.)
"Constrained by obstruction and entanglement. Returning yields no connection. Misfortune."
Pressure increases through both external blockage and internal entrapment.
Attempts to return to stability fail. Disconnection leads to unfavorable outcome.
Changing to:
31. Resonance (咸 Xián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 31
Hexagram 咸 (Xián) describes resonance—how one system responds to another through sensitivity and internal alignment. Influence here is not applied force, but the natural transmission of signal between receptive structures.
The mountain below provides stability, while the lake above allows openness and exchange. Together, they form a system where stillness enables accurate reception, and openness allows response. This hexagram models how connection forms through responsiveness rather than control.
Hexagram 31 Judgment
咸，亨，利貞。取女吉。
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
"Resonance brings progress. It is favorable to remain steady. Forming a union brings good fortune."
This describes a state where mutual responsiveness allows connection to form naturally. Stability is required so that influence is not distorted or forced.
When alignment is genuine, union emerges without friction. The system holds together because its components respond to one another accurately.
Hexagram 31 Image
山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
"A lake rests above the mountain: resonance. The superior person remains open and receives others."
The mountain holds still while the lake responds to what it encounters. This pairing creates a system capable of sensing and responding without distortion.
Openness is not passivity, but clarity of reception. By remaining unfilled, one can register external influence accurately and respond appropriately.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team