I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 5 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 16

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 5.1.2.3.4.5 -> 16

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚,光亨,贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天,需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于郊。利用恒,无咎。"
(Xū yú jiāo. Lì yòng héng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to be persistent. No fault.”

This line suggests that during the early stages of waiting, one remains on the outskirts, not yet in the center of action. Patience and persistence are key to avoid acting prematurely. By maintaining steadiness, one avoids mistakes and prepares for the proper moment.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于沙。小有言,终吉。"
(Xū yú shā. Xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Waiting on the sand. There may be some gossip, but in the end, good fortune.”

In this line, the image of waiting on sand represents an uncertain and shifting situation. During this time, there may be criticism or gossip, but these small disturbances will not affect the final outcome. Patience and perseverance will lead to success despite the distractions.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于泥,致寇至。"
(Xū yú ní, zhì kòu zhì.)
English Translation:
“Waiting in the mud. This brings about the arrival of enemies.”

Waiting in the mud represents a difficult and precarious situation where progress is hindered. Being in such a vulnerable position can attract opposition or enemies. This line advises caution, as remaining in a weak or compromised position too long may lead to conflict or harm.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于血,出自穴。"
(Xū yú xuè, chū zì xué.)
English Translation:
“Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.”

This line symbolizes a situation of extreme danger or difficulty (blood). The advice here is to take action to extricate oneself from this perilous position rather than continue waiting passively. Escaping from the 'pit' represents the need for proactive measures when circumstances become too dangerous.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于酒食,贞吉。"
(Xū yú jiǔ shí, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Waiting while eating and drinking. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line indicates a time of calm and comfort during the period of waiting. It suggests that one should enjoy what is available and maintain perseverance. By doing so, good fortune will follow. The key message is to wait patiently, nourish oneself, and stay prepared for the right opportunity.

Changing to:

16. Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 16

Hexagram 豫 (Yù) represents enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose. This hexagram speaks of a time when energy and joy fuel collective actions. Enthusiasm drives forward progress and creates harmony among people.

Hexagram 16 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豫,利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiasm. It is beneficial to appoint helpers and set armies marching.”

This hexagram signifies a time when enthusiasm drives collective action. It is a good time to delegate tasks to others, appoint capable helpers, and move forward with large plans. Progress is made with shared energy and excitement.

Hexagram 16 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷出地奋,豫。先王以作乐崇德,殷荐之上帝,以配祖考。"
(Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes bursting out of the earth: The image of Enthusiasm. The ancient kings made music and offered it in honor of virtue. They worshiped with reverence at the temple of their ancestors.”

The image of thunder erupting from the earth represents the energy and power of enthusiasm. The ancient kings used this energy to create harmony through music and honor their ancestors. In modern terms, this means using the joy of collective effort to build on past virtues and create a better future.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team