I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 53 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 21
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 53.1.3.4.5 -> 21
53. Development (漸 Jiàn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 53
Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.
Hexagram 53 Judgment
"漸,女歸吉,利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.
Hexagram 53 Image
"山上有木,漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”
The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.
Line 1 Changing
"鴻漸于干,小子厲,有言,无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú gān, xiǎo zǐ lì, yǒu yán, wú jiù.)
“The wild goose gradually approaches the shore. The young son is in danger. There are words, but no blame.”
This line describes the early stages of progress, where things are still uncertain and fragile. The young son symbolizes inexperience, and the words represent advice or guidance. By listening to advice, one avoids blame and continues to progress.
Line 3 Changing
"鴻漸于陸,夫徵不復,婦孕不育,凶;利禦寇。"
(Hóng jiàn yú lù, fū zhēng bù fù, fù yùn bù yù, xiōng; lì yù kòu.)
“The wild goose gradually approaches the land. The husband goes on a journey and does not return. The wife is pregnant but does not give birth. Misfortune. It is favorable to resist robbers.”
This line speaks of challenges and setbacks in the process of development, symbolized by the husband’s absence and the failed pregnancy. However, it advises defending against external threats and staying vigilant, as this leads to protection and eventual success.
Line 4 Changing
"鴻漸于木,或得其桷,无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.)
“The wild goose gradually approaches the tree. Perhaps it finds a branch. No blame.”
This line describes a stage of development where progress is uncertain but there is hope for success, symbolized by finding a branch to rest on. It advises continuing with patience, as there is no blame in making slow progress.
Line 5 Changing
"鴻漸于陵,婦三歲不孕,終莫之勝,吉。"
(Hóng jiàn yú líng, fù sān suì bù yùn, zhōng mò zhī shèng, jí.)
“The wild goose gradually approaches the hill. The wife does not become pregnant for three years, but in the end, she is victorious. Good fortune.”
This line speaks of a long delay in progress, symbolized by the wife’s failure to conceive for three years. However, in the end, success is achieved, and good fortune follows. It advises patience and perseverance in long-term goals.
Changing to:
21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 21
Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.
Hexagram 21 Judgment
"噬嗑,亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”
This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.
Hexagram 21 Image
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”
The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team