I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 6 to Hexagram 1

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.1.4.6 -> 1

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

48. The Well

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

1. The Creative

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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"井甃，無咎。"
(Jǐng zhòu, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The well is lined with stones. No blame.”

This line speaks of a well that has been properly constructed and maintained, symbolized by the stone lining. There is no blame, and it advises keeping things in good order for long-term success.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"井收勿幕，有孚元吉。"
(Jǐng shōu wù mù, yǒu fú yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“The well is covered, but not sealed. With sincerity, great good fortune.”

This line advises protecting valuable resources (symbolized by the well), but not hiding them away. By keeping the well accessible and maintaining sincerity, great good fortune comes. It encourages openness and generosity.

Changing to:

1. The Creative (乾 Qián)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 1

Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.

Hexagram 1 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”

The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.

Hexagram 1 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
English Translation:
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”

The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team