I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 52 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 52.1.3.5.6 -> 3

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

52. Keeping Still

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

52. Keeping Still (艮 Gèn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 52

Hexagram 艮 (Gèn) represents stillness and stability, like a mountain. This hexagram speaks of the importance of remaining calm and centered, even in the face of external pressures. Success comes from mastering self-control and inner peace.

Hexagram 52 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。"
(Gèn qí bèi, bù huò qí shēn, xíng qí tíng, bù jiàn qí rén, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still, restraining the back. One does not grasp oneself. Walking in the courtyard, one does not see others. No blame.”

This hexagram advises remaining calm and centered, restraining impulses and external distractions. By focusing on inner stillness, one avoids mistakes and remains clear-minded. Success comes from self-discipline and tranquility.

Hexagram 52 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"兼山，艮。君子以思不出其位。"
(Jiān shān, gèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī bù chū qí wèi.)
English Translation:
“Mountains standing still: The image of Keeping Still. The superior person does not allow their thoughts to go beyond their place.”

The image of mountains standing still symbolizes the importance of maintaining stability and not overreaching. The superior person remains grounded, controlling their thoughts and emotions, leading to success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其趾，无咎，利永貞。"
(Gèn qí zhǐ, wú jiù, lì yǒng zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still at the toes. No blame. Perseverance furthers.”

This line advises remaining still and grounded in the initial stages of a situation. By practicing patience and self-discipline, one avoids mistakes and ensures success.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其限，列其夤，厲薰心。"
(Gèn qí xiàn, liè qí yín, lì xūn xīn.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still at the waist, breaking the spinal column. Dangerous. The heart is suffocated.”

This line warns of becoming too rigid or inflexible, leading to inner distress. It advises remaining calm and flexible, avoiding over-commitment or stubbornness, which can cause harm.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其輔，言有序，悔亡。"
(Gèn qí fǔ, yán yǒu xù, huǐ wáng.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still at the jaw. Words are orderly. Regret disappears.”

This line speaks of controlling speech and thoughts, ensuring that communication is clear and measured. By being thoughtful and disciplined in words, regret disappears. Success comes from clarity and careful expression.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"敦艮，吉。"
(Dūn gèn, jí.)
English Translation:
“Generous stillness. Good fortune.”

This line describes the highest form of stillness, where one is not only calm and composed but also generous and open-hearted. Good fortune comes from this balance of inner peace and outward generosity.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team