I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 27
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.1.2.3.5.6 -> 27
48. The Well (井 Jǐng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating
The Symbolism of Hexagram 48
Hexagram 井 (Jǐng) describes a shared resource structure that remains constant regardless of external change. The well does not change—only access to it does.
Water above wood shows resource brought upward through a structured channel. The system depends not on the existence of the resource, but on the ability to draw from it.
Hexagram 48 Judgment
井,改邑不改井,无喪无得。往來井井,汔至亦未繘井,羸其瓶,凶。
(Jǐng, gǎi yì bù gǎi jǐng, wú sàng wú dé. Wǎng lái jǐng jǐng, qì zhì yì wèi yù jǐng, léi qí píng, xiōng.)
"The Well. Structures may change, but the source remains. It neither diminishes nor increases. Movement occurs around it. If access fails, or the vessel is inadequate, unfavorable outcome."
This hexagram describes a stable underlying resource that persists independent of circumstance. What changes is not the resource, but the system used to access it.
Failure occurs not from absence, but from inability to draw from what is already present. Proper access and functional tools are essential.
Hexagram 48 Image
木上有水,井。君子以勞民勸相。
(Mù shàng yǒu shuǐ, jǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ láo mín quàn xiāng.)
"Wood draws water upward: the well. The superior person labors for the people and encourages mutual support."
The well is not self-operating—it requires effort, structure, and participation.
Sustained access depends on maintaining both the system and the process by which the resource is shared.
Line 1 Changing
井泥不食,舊井無禽。
(Jǐng ní bù shí, jiù jǐng wú qín.)
"The well is obstructed and unusable. It is neglected and no longer draws use."
The resource exists, but access is degraded. The system has fallen into disrepair.
Neglect leads to disuse, even when value remains.
Line 2 Changing
井谷射鮒,瓮敝漏。
(Jǐng gǔ shè fù, wèng bì lòu.)
"The source is present but poorly accessed. Effort yields little. The vessel is defective."
The problem is not depth or availability, but method. The system draws incorrectly, and tools fail to retain what is gained.
Inefficiency and leakage prevent effective use of the resource.
Line 3 Changing
井渫不食,為我心惻,可用汲,王明並受其福。
(Jǐng xiè bù shí, wéi wǒ xīn cè, kě yòng jí, wáng míng bìng shòu qí fú.)
"The well is prepared but not used. It can be drawn from, yet remains unused. The governing authority, in clarity, receives its blessing as well."
The system is functional, but adoption has not occurred. The resource is available, but not integrated.
This creates frustration—the gap between capability and utilization.
Line 5 Changing
井冽寒泉食。
(Jǐng liè hán quán shí.)
"The source is clear and accessible. It is actively used."
The system is functioning optimally. The resource is both available and effectively drawn.
This represents proper alignment between source, structure, and usage.
Line 6 Changing
井收勿幕,有孚元吉。
(Jǐng shōu wù mù, yǒu fú yuán jí.)
"The well is maintained without being closed off. There is underlying alignment. Primary favorable outcome."
The resource is preserved but remains accessible. It is neither neglected nor restricted.
Openness combined with proper stewardship creates sustained benefit.
Changing to:
27. Nourishment (頤 Yí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing
The Symbolism of Hexagram 27
Hexagram 頤 (Yí) concerns what is taken in and what is expressed. It describes the system of intake, processing, and output that sustains life and action.
Hexagram 27 Judgment
頤,貞吉。觀頤,自求口實。
(Yí, zhēn jí. Guān yí, zì qiú kǒu shí.)
"Nourishment. Correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome. Observe nourishment, and seek what fills the mouth for yourself."
This hexagram directs attention to both intake and source. What is taken in must be examined, and its origin understood.
Sustenance must ultimately be secured by oneself, not passively received or misdirected.
Hexagram 27 Image
山下有雷,頤。君子以慎言語,節飲食。
(Shān xià yǒu léi, yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn yán yǔ, jié yǐn shí.)
"Thunder stirs beneath the mountain: nourishment. The superior person is careful in speech and measured in food and drink."
Thunder initiates movement; the mountain contains it. This reflects controlled intake and controlled expression.
Speech and consumption are parallel systems—both must be governed to maintain balance.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team