I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 23

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.2.3.5.6 -> 23

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 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.

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:

23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Hexagram 23 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝,不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Hexagram 23 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山附於地,剝。上以厚下,安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
English Translation:
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team