I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 1, 5, 6 to Hexagram 6

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.1.5.6 -> 6

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

54. The Marrying Maiden

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yang Yin

6. Conflict

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 5 Changing

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

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:

6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 6

Hexagram Sòng (Conflict) represents a time of dispute or disagreement. This hexagram signals a moment when conflicts must be addressed. The key to resolution lies in upholding righteousness and avoiding impulsive reactions driven by anger or emotion.

Hexagram 6 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Conflict demands sincerity. Be cautious and halt before it escalates. There is success in the middle, but disaster awaits at the end. It is beneficial to consult a wise person, but unfavorable to undertake major ventures, like crossing a great river.”

Conflict is best managed through sincerity and careful restraint. Success comes from resolving disputes in the middle stage, before they intensify. While there may be some early success, prolonged conflict leads to harm. Seeking advice from a wise figure is beneficial, but engaging in large-scale endeavors (crossing a great river) is unwise during this time.

Hexagram 6 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。"
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and water move in opposite directions—this is the image of Conflict. The wise person uses this time to plan carefully at the outset of any endeavor.”

Heaven and water moving apart symbolize discord and opposition. The wise person uses this time to strategize and avoid rushing into any new ventures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in navigating conflict.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team