I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 12

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.2.3.4.6 -> 12

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

48. The Well

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin

12. Standstill

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 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 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:

12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 12

Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.

Hexagram 12 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
English Translation:
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”

In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.

Hexagram 12 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”

The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team