I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 42

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.2.4.5.6 -> 42

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

54. The Marrying Maiden

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

42. Increase

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 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 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:

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) represents increase, growth, or expansion. This hexagram speaks of a time when positive developments and opportunities for growth are present. Success comes from giving and sharing with others, which leads to mutual benefit and prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"益，利有攸往，利涉大川。"
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Increase. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This hexagram advises taking advantage of opportunities for growth. Moving forward with purpose and crossing challenges (symbolized by the great river) brings success. By being generous and sharing resources, one fosters mutual prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。"
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
“Wind and thunder: The image of Increase. The superior person sees good and moves toward it. If they see a mistake, they correct it.”

The image of wind and thunder represents dynamic energy and growth. The superior person uses this energy to recognize opportunities for improvement and correction. By moving toward what is good and correcting errors, one fosters growth and success.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team