I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 53 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 64

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 53.2.3.4.5 -> 64

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

53. Development

Yang Yin Yang Yin Yang Yin

64. Before Completion

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于磐，飲食衎衎，吉。"
(Hóng jiàn yú pán, yǐn shí kàn kàn, jí.)
English Translation:
“The wild goose gradually approaches the rock. There is food and drink. Good fortune.”

This line describes a stage of development where stability is reached, symbolized by the rock. The food and drink represent nourishment and support, indicating that progress is being sustained and good fortune follows.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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:

64. Before Completion (未濟 Wèi Jì)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 64

Hexagram 未濟 (Wèi Jì) represents the state before completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is nearly complete but not yet finished. This hexagram speaks of the importance of staying focused and patient as the final steps are taken. Success comes from careful attention and avoiding premature action.

Hexagram 64 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"未濟，亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。"
(Wèi jì, hēng. Xiǎo hú qì jì, rú qí wěi, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“Before Completion. Success. The small fox nearly crosses the river but gets its tail wet. Nothing is favorable.”

This hexagram advises caution and patience as one nears the completion of a task. Like the small fox crossing the river, a lack of care in the final stages can lead to setbacks. It warns against premature action and advises paying close attention to detail.

Hexagram 64 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。"
(Huǒ zài shuǐ shàng, wèi jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn biàn wù jū fāng.)
English Translation:
“Fire over water: The image of Before Completion. The superior person carefully distinguishes things and places them in their proper position.”

The image of fire over water represents the tension between opposing forces and the need for balance. The superior person, like the elements, carefully considers all factors and makes thoughtful decisions to ensure success.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team