I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 6 to Hexagram 50

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.1.3.6 -> 50

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

54. The Marrying Maiden

Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang Yin

50. The Cauldron

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"歸妹以須，反歸以娣。"
(Guī mèi yǐ xū, fǎn guī yǐ dì.)
English Translation:
“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 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:

50. The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 50

Hexagram 鼎 (Dǐng) represents a cauldron, symbolizing nourishment and transformation. This hexagram speaks of a time when one’s resources and abilities are being refined and used to nourish and support others. Success comes from utilizing what is in the cauldron and making something valuable.

Hexagram 50 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"鼎，元吉，亨。"
(Dǐng, yuán jí, hēng.)
English Translation:
“The Cauldron. Great good fortune. Success.”

This hexagram advises a time of great transformation and nourishment. Like a cauldron cooking food, one’s resources and abilities are being refined to create something valuable. Success comes from sharing this nourishment with others.

Hexagram 50 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"木上有火，鼎。君子以正位凝命。"
(Mù shàng yǒu huǒ, dǐng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèng wèi níng mìng.)
English Translation:
“Fire over wood: The image of The Cauldron. The superior person makes their position correct and consolidates their destiny.”

The image of fire over wood represents the process of cooking and transforming raw ingredients into something nourishing. The superior person, like the cauldron, uses their resources and position to create something lasting and valuable.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team