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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 47.2.4.5 -> 2

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 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:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤,君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team