I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 31
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.2.4 -> 31
48. The Well (井 Jǐng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
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
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.)
"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, misfortune."
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
木上有水，井。君子以勞民勸相。
(Mù shàng yǒu shuǐ, jǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ láo mín quàn xiāng.)
"Water is drawn upward through structure: the well. What sustains must be maintained and made accessible."
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 2 Changing
井谷射鮒，瓮敝漏。
(Jǐng gǔ shè fù, wèng bì lòu.)
"The source is present but poorly accessed. Effort yields little. The vessel is defective."
The problem is not depth or availability, but method. The system draws incorrectly, and tools fail to retain what is gained.
Inefficiency and leakage prevent effective use of the resource.
Line 4 Changing
井甃，無咎。
(Jǐng zhòu, wú jiù.)
"The well is properly structured. No fault."
The system is stabilized and correctly maintained.
At this stage, the foundation is sound, even if output is not yet maximized.
Changing to:
31. Resonance (咸 Xián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 31
Hexagram 咸 (Xián) describes resonance—how one system responds to another through sensitivity and internal alignment. Influence here is not applied force, but the natural transmission of signal between receptive structures.
The mountain below provides stability, while the lake above allows openness and exchange. Together, they form a system where stillness enables accurate reception, and openness allows response. This hexagram models how connection forms through responsiveness rather than control.
Hexagram 31 Judgment
咸，亨，利貞。取女吉。
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
"Resonance brings progress. It is favorable to remain steady. Forming a union brings good fortune."
This describes a state where mutual responsiveness allows connection to form naturally. Stability is required so that influence is not distorted or forced.
When alignment is genuine, union emerges without friction. The system holds together because its components respond to one another accurately.
Hexagram 31 Image
山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
"A lake rests above the mountain: resonance. The superior person remains open and receives others."
The mountain holds still while the lake responds to what it encounters. This pairing creates a system capable of sensing and responding without distortion.
Openness is not passivity, but clarity of reception. By remaining unfilled, one can register external influence accurately and respond appropriately.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team