I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 50 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 39

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 50.2.4.5.6 -> 39

Old Yang Old Yin Old Yang Young Yang Old Yang Young Yin

50. The Cauldron

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin

39. Obstruction

50. The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 50

Hexagram 鼎 (Dǐng) represents a cauldron, symbolizing nourishment and transformation. This hexagram speaks of a time when one’s resources and abilities are being refined and used to nourish and support others. Success comes from utilizing what is in the cauldron and making something valuable.

Hexagram 50 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎，元吉，亨。"
(Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng.)
English Translation:
“The Cauldron. Great good fortune. Success.”

This hexagram advises a time of great transformation and nourishment. Like a cauldron cooking food, one’s resources and abilities are being refined to create something valuable. Success comes from sharing this nourishment with others.

Hexagram 50 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。"
(Mù shàng yǒu huǒ, dǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèng wèi níng mìng.)
English Translation:
“Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. The superior person makes their position correct and consolidates their destiny.”

The image of fire over wood represents the process of cooking and transforming raw ingredients into something nourishing. The superior person, like the cauldron, uses their resources and position to create something lasting and valuable.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎有實，我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。"
(Dǐng yǒu shí, wǒ chóu yǒu jí, bù wǒ néng jí, jí.)
English Translation:
“The cauldron is full. My enemy is sick, but they cannot approach me. Good fortune.”

This line describes a cauldron full of nourishing resources. Although an enemy may be present, they are unable to harm you. The situation is secure, and good fortune follows.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。"
(Dǐng zhé zú, fù gōng sù, qí xíng wò, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The cauldron’s legs are broken. The food for the prince is spilled. The form is covered with blood. Misfortune.”

This line describes a serious setback, where the cauldron is broken and the valuable contents are lost. Misfortune follows, and it advises caution and care in managing resources to avoid disaster.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎黃耳金鉉，利貞。"
(Dǐng huáng ěr jīn xuàn, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The cauldron has yellow ears and golden handles. Perseverance furthers.”

This line speaks of a cauldron in excellent condition, with golden handles symbolizing strength and stability. It advises perseverance and continued effort, as the situation is stable and success is assured.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎玉鉉，大吉，无不利。"
(Dǐng yù xuàn, dà jí, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“The cauldron has jade handles. Great good fortune. Nothing is unfavorable.”

This line describes a cauldron with jade handles, symbolizing great beauty and value. The situation is ideal, and great good fortune follows. Everything is favorable, and success is assured.

Changing to:

39. Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 39

Hexagram 蹇 (Jiǎn) symbolizes obstacles or obstructions. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or impediments on one's path. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and knowing when to retreat and when to push forward.

Hexagram 39 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇，利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。"
(Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest, not favorable to go northeast. It is beneficial to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises adjusting one's direction when facing obstacles. Success comes from going with the flow (symbolized by the southwest) rather than forcing one's way forward. Meeting with a wise person and persevering brings good fortune.

Hexagram 39 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
English Translation:
“Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. The superior person turns inward and cultivates virtue.”

The image of water on a mountain represents difficulties or obstacles that prevent easy progress. The superior person uses this time to turn inward, cultivating inner strength and virtue while waiting for the right time to act.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team