I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 53 with Changing Lines 3, 4 to Hexagram 12
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 53.3.4 -> 12
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 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.
Changing to:
12. Standstill (否 Pǐ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 12
Hexagram 否 (Pǐ) symbolizes standstill or stagnation. This hexagram represents a time when progress halts, and opposing forces prevent movement forward. It advises patience and waiting for more favorable conditions.
Hexagram 12 Judgment
"否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。"
(Pǐ zhī fěi rén, bù lì jūn zǐ zhēn, dà wǎng xiǎo lái.)
“Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior person. The great departs; the small approaches.”
In times of standstill, negative forces dominate, making it difficult for the superior person to act. The good or great things seem to recede, while small, petty concerns take their place. This hexagram advises patience and restraint until the situation improves.
Hexagram 12 Image
"天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。"
(Tiān dì bù jiāo, pǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiǎn dé pì nàn, bù kě róng yǐ lù.)
“Heaven and earth do not unite: The image of Standstill. The superior person uses modesty to avoid difficulties. He does not boast of riches or honors.”
The image of heaven and earth not interacting symbolizes a breakdown in harmony, leading to stagnation. The superior person recognizes that in such times, it is better to remain modest, avoid drawing attention, and wait for a more favorable situation.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team