I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 5 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4 to Hexagram 47

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 5.1.3.4 -> 47

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 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.

Changing to:

47. Oppression (困 Kùn)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dùi (Lake)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 47

Hexagram 困 (Kùn) represents oppression, hardship, or restriction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one is trapped or hindered by external pressures or internal struggles. Success comes from endurance, inner strength, and seeking support from others.

Hexagram 47 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"困,亨,貞大人吉,无咎,有言不信。"
(Kùn, hēng, zhēn dàrén jí, wú jiù, yǒu yán bù xìn.)
English Translation:
“Oppression. Success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the great person. No blame. Words are not believed.”

This hexagram advises persevering through hardship and remaining true to one's principles. Success comes from maintaining integrity despite oppression. Although others may not believe in one's words, staying committed leads to good fortune.

Hexagram 47 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤無水,困。君子以致命遂志。"
(Zé wú shuǐ, kùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì mìng suì zhì.)
English Translation:
“The lake has no water: The image of Oppression. The superior person brings their fate to completion and fulfills their will.”

The image of a dry lake represents a time of lack and hardship. The superior person, however, continues to pursue their purpose, even in the face of adversity. By accepting their fate and remaining determined, they fulfill their mission.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team