I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 5 to Hexagram 19

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.1.3.5 -> 19

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

48. The Well

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang Yang

19. Approaching

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

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 yù jǐng, léi qí píng, xiōng.)
English Translation:
"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

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:
"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

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 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 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 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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
井冽寒泉食。
(Jǐng liè hán quán shí.)
English Translation:
"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.

Changing to:

19. Approaching (臨 Lín)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
Below
☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open

The Symbolism of Hexagram 19

Hexagram 臨 (Lín) describes the movement of what is above toward what is below. It is a condition of engagement, oversight, and drawing near. It carries both opportunity and the responsibility of timing.

Hexagram 19 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
臨，元亨，利貞。至于八月有凶。
(Lín, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng.)
English Translation:
"Approaching. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Reaching the eighth month brings unfavorable outcome."

This describes a period of growth and increasing presence. What is above moves downward to engage what is below, and this creates momentum.

However, this condition is not permanent. The reference to the eighth month marks the point at which the condition changes, when increase gives way to decline. Awareness of this cycle is essential.

Hexagram 19 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
地上有澤，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民无疆。
(Dì shàng yǒu zé, lín. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng.)
English Translation:
"The lake rests upon the earth: approaching. The superior person extends guidance without exhaustion and supports without limit."

The image shows containment from above and openness below. Approach is not intrusion, but sustained presence and care.

The superior person engages continuously, not in bursts. The relationship between above and below is maintained through ongoing attention.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team