I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 52 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 6

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 52.2.3.4.5 -> 6

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

52. Keeping Still

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yang Yin

6. Conflict

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其腓，不拯其隨，其心不快。"
(Gèn qí féi, bù zhěng qí suí, qí xīn bù kuài.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still at the calves. One cannot rescue those who follow. The heart is not glad.”

This line speaks of frustration in trying to help others or move forward. It advises accepting limitations and remaining patient, even when progress feels slow or blocked.

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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其身，无咎。"
(Gèn qí shēn, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still in the body. No blame.”

This line describes mastering self-control and inner stillness. By remaining composed and not letting external distractions affect one's actions, there is no blame. It advises calmness and focus.

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.

Changing to:

6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 6

Hexagram Sòng (Conflict) represents a time of dispute or disagreement. This hexagram signals a moment when conflicts must be addressed. The key to resolution lies in upholding righteousness and avoiding impulsive reactions driven by anger or emotion.

Hexagram 6 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Conflict demands sincerity. Be cautious and halt before it escalates. There is success in the middle, but disaster awaits at the end. It is beneficial to consult a wise person, but unfavorable to undertake major ventures, like crossing a great river.”

Conflict is best managed through sincerity and careful restraint. Success comes from resolving disputes in the middle stage, before they intensify. While there may be some early success, prolonged conflict leads to harm. Seeking advice from a wise figure is beneficial, but engaging in large-scale endeavors (crossing a great river) is unwise during this time.

Hexagram 6 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。"
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and water move in opposite directions—this is the image of Conflict. The wise person uses this time to plan carefully at the outset of any endeavor.”

Heaven and water moving apart symbolize discord and opposition. The wise person uses this time to strategize and avoid rushing into any new ventures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in navigating conflict.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team