I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 5 with Changing Lines 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 22
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 5.2.5.6 -> 22
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
"有孚,光亨,贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
“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
"云上于天,需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
“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 2 Changing
"需于沙。小有言,终吉。"
(Xū yú shā. Xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)
“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 5 Changing
"需于酒食,贞吉。"
(Xū yú jiǔ shí, zhēn jí.)
“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.
Line 6 Changing
"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.)
“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:
22. Grace (賁 Bì)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 22
Hexagram 賁 (Bì) represents grace, beauty, and adornment. This hexagram speaks of the power of beauty and form in enhancing life. Grace does not replace substance but enhances it.
Hexagram 22 Judgment
"賁,亨,小利有攸往。"
(Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Grace brings success. It is not favorable to take large ventures; small ventures are beneficial.”
This hexagram advises focusing on grace and beauty in one's actions. Small, careful ventures bring success. The hexagram suggests that too much focus on appearance can lead to problems unless substance and action are in balance.
Hexagram 22 Image
"山下有火,賁。君子以明庶政,无敢折獄。"
(Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù.)
“Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. The superior person brings clarity to governance but does not make final judgments.”
The image of fire at the base of the mountain represents the beauty and clarity that come from grace. The superior person focuses on clarity and transparency in governance but does not rush into decisions or judgments.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team