I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 48 with Changing Lines 2, 6 to Hexagram 53
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 48.2.6 -> 53
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
"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.)
“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
"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 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
"井谷射鮒，瓮敝漏。"
(Jǐng gǔ shè fù, wèng bì lòu.)
“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 6 Changing
"井收勿幕，有孚元吉。"
(Jǐng shōu wù mù, yǒu fú yuán jí.)
“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:
53. Development (漸 Jiàn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 53
Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.
Hexagram 53 Judgment
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.
Hexagram 53 Image
"山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”
The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team