I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 23

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.1.2.4.6 -> 23

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

54. The Marrying Maiden

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

23. Splitting Apart

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"歸妹，征凶，无攸利。"
(Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“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

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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"妹巿，跛能履，征吉。"
(Mèi shì, bǒ néng lǚ, zhēng jí.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"目无子，凶。"
(Mù wú zǐ, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"歸妹愆期，遲歸有時。"
(Guī mèi qiān qī, chí guī yǒu shí.)
English Translation:
“The marrying maiden is late. She returns in due time.”

This line speaks of delays in progress, but eventual success. Although things may not happen as quickly as desired, with patience, everything will come to fruition at the right time.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"女承筐无實，士刲羊无血，无攸利。"
(Nǚ chéng kuāng wú shí, shì kuī yáng wú xuè, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“The woman carries an empty basket. The man sacrifices a sheep without blood. Nothing is favorable.”

This line describes a situation where efforts or actions are empty and lack substance. It advises avoiding superficial or meaningless actions, as nothing beneficial comes from them.

Changing to:

23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Hexagram 23 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝，不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Hexagram 23 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
English Translation:
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team