I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 25

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.2.5.6 -> 25

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 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:

25. Innocence (無妄 Wú Wàng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 25

Hexagram 無妄 (Wú Wàng) symbolizes innocence or the absence of falsehood. This hexagram speaks of acting with sincerity, without ulterior motives, and maintaining a state of natural purity. Success comes from being genuine and spontaneous.

Hexagram 25 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"無妄,元亨,利貞。其匪正有眚,不利有攸往。"
(Wú wàng, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Qí fěi zhèng yǒu shěng, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. If one is not as they should be, they have misfortune, and it is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram advises maintaining innocence and sincerity. Success comes from acting with integrity and without ulterior motives. However, if one strays from the right path, misfortune follows. It is important to be true to oneself.

Hexagram 25 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下雷行,物與无妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。"
(Tiān xià léi xíng, wù yǔ wú wàng. Xiān wáng yǐ mào duì shí yù wàn wù.)
English Translation:
“Thunder beneath heaven: The image of Innocence. The ancient kings nurtured and cared for all beings, responding to the seasons and bringing prosperity to all things.”

The image of thunder moving beneath heaven represents the power of natural forces. The superior person uses this time to nurture and care for others, aligning their actions with the natural rhythms of life. This brings prosperity and success.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team