I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 5 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 6 to Hexagram 53

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 5.1.2.6 -> 53

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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"入于穴,有不速之客三人来,敬之终吉。"
(Rù yú xué, yǒu bù sù zhī kè sān rén lái, jìng zhī zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Entering the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treat them with respect, and in the end, there will be good fortune.”

This final line portrays an unexpected situation (the arrival of three uninvited guests) that may initially seem challenging. However, by treating the unexpected circumstances or individuals with respect and patience, good fortune will result. This line advises composure and open-mindedness when confronted with surprises.

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸,女歸吉,利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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