I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.1.2.3.5 -> 24

Young Yin Old Yang Young Yin Old Yang Old Yang Old Yin

48. The Well

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

48. The Well (井 Jǐng)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 48

Hexagram 井 (Jǐng) represents a well, which provides life-sustaining water to all. This hexagram speaks of the importance of tapping into shared resources and maintaining those resources to benefit everyone. Success comes from nurturing and distributing the wellspring of knowledge, energy, or resources.

Hexagram 48 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"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 jué jǐng, léi qí píng, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. People come and go, drawing from the well. If the water reaches but the rope does not pull it up, or if the jug is broken, misfortune.”

This hexagram advises maintaining a stable source of resources or support. The well represents a constant and essential resource that should be cared for and utilized properly. Success comes from ensuring the well's continued function. Misfortune arises when the well is neglected or improperly used.

Hexagram 48 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"木上有水，井。君子以勞民勸相。"
(Mù shàng yǒu shuǐ, jǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ láo mín quàn xiāng.)
English Translation:
“Water over wood: The image of The Well. The superior person encourages the people to work and inspire each other.”

The image of water over wood symbolizes the well’s ability to sustain life. The superior person draws on the well of human resources, inspiring and organizing others to contribute to the collective effort, ensuring the community thrives.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"井泥不食，舊井無禽。"
(Jǐng ní bù shí, jiù jǐng wú qín.)
English Translation:
“The well is muddy and unusable. Old well water attracts no birds.”

This line describes a neglected well that has become muddy and unfit for use. Without proper maintenance, the well fails to provide life-sustaining water. It advises attending to essential resources, lest they become useless.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"井谷射鮒，瓮敝漏。"
(Jǐng gǔ shè fù, wèng bì lòu.)
English Translation:
“The well is deep, but small fish are caught. The jug is broken and leaks.”

This line speaks of a well that is deep but not fully utilized. Although it has great potential, only small gains are made, and the tools (symbolized by the leaking jug) are inadequate. It advises improving one’s methods and tools to fully access the well’s resources.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“The well has been cleaned but is still not used. My heart is troubled. It can be drawn from. The king receives blessings when enlightened.”

This line describes a well that has been made usable, but no one is drawing from it. It advises removing mental or emotional obstacles and accessing the well’s resources. When properly used, the well brings great blessings to those in leadership.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"井冽寒泉食。"
(Jǐng liè hán quán shí.)
English Translation:
“The well is clear and cold. People drink from it.”

This line describes a well that is in perfect condition, providing clear, cold water that is freely used. It symbolizes a resource that is being fully utilized for the benefit of all, bringing success and nourishment.

Changing to:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team