I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 31
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.1.2.3.5 -> 31
54. The Marrying Maiden (歸妹 Guī Mèi)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 54
Hexagram 歸妹 (Guī Mèi) represents the marrying maiden, symbolizing the secondary role and the idea of following established protocols. This hexagram speaks of relationships where one may not have full autonomy, requiring adaptation. Success comes from understanding one's position and accepting supportive roles.
Hexagram 54 Judgment
"歸妹,征凶,无攸利。"
(Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì.)
“The Marrying Maiden. Going forward brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.”
This hexagram advises caution in advancing into a situation where one lacks full authority or power, as misfortune may follow. It speaks of accepting limitations and adapting to circumstances without overreaching.
Hexagram 54 Image
"澤上有雷,歸妹。君子以永終知敝。"
(Zé shàng yǒu léi, guī mèi. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǒng zhōng zhī bì.)
“Thunder over the lake: The image of The Marrying Maiden. The superior person is careful about endings and recognizes the imperfection of things.”
The image of thunder over the lake symbolizes a situation of imbalance, where one must adapt to changing conditions. The superior person understands that all things are temporary and imperfect, leading to wisdom and balance.
Line 1 Changing
"妹巿,跛能履,征吉。"
(Mèi shì, bǒ néng lǚ, zhēng jí.)
“The maiden is offered in marriage. Though limping, she can walk. Going forward brings good fortune.”
This line speaks of a situation where the initial conditions are not ideal, but progress can still be made. Though there may be limitations (symbolized by limping), with effort, good fortune is achievable.
Line 2 Changing
"目无子,凶。"
(Mù wú zǐ, xiōng.)
“Blind in one eye. Misfortune.”
This line describes a situation where one’s vision or understanding is incomplete, leading to potential misfortune. It advises caution and reflection before advancing in such circumstances.
Line 3 Changing
"歸妹以須,反歸以娣。"
(Guī mèi yǐ xū, fǎn guī yǐ dì.)
“The marrying maiden waits. She returns as a concubine.”
This line describes a situation where one is in a secondary or subordinate role, symbolized by returning as a concubine. It advises patience and acceptance of limitations, as pushing for more may lead to a lesser outcome.
Line 5 Changing
"帝乙歸妹,其君之袂,不如其娣之袂良,月幾望,吉。"
(Dì Yǐ guī mèi, qí jūn zhī mèi, bù rú qí dì zhī mèi liáng, yuè jī wàng, jí.)
“The emperor marries off his daughter. Her sleeves are not as fine as those of the concubine. The moon is almost full. Good fortune.”
This line describes a situation where the outward appearance or position may not seem as prestigious (symbolized by the lesser quality of the maiden’s sleeves), but success is still achievable. It advises focusing on inner qualities and recognizing the gradual approach of good fortune, symbolized by the waxing moon.
Changing to:
31. Influence (Wooing) (咸 Xián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dui (Lake)
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 31
Hexagram 咸 (Xián) symbolizes influence, attraction, and the power of mutual response. This hexagram speaks of relationships, attraction, and how one person or force influences another. Success comes from subtle influence rather than force.
Hexagram 31 Judgment
"咸,亨,利貞。取女吉。"
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
“Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises subtle influence and mutual attraction. Success comes from steady, gentle influence, not force. In relationships, like marriage, mutual respect and attraction bring good fortune.
Hexagram 31 Image
"山上有澤,咸。君子以虛受人。"
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
“Lake on the mountain: The image of Influence. The superior person is open to receiving others.”
The image of the lake on the mountain represents openness and receptivity. The superior person, like the lake, is open to receiving others and is influenced by their surroundings. This receptiveness allows for mutual influence and growth.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team