I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 54 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 26

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 54.3.4.6 -> 26

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

54. The Marrying Maiden

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yang Yang

26. The Taming Power of the Great

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 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 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:

26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 26

Hexagram 大畜 (Dà Chù) represents the power of restraint and control over great forces. This hexagram speaks of holding back powerful forces for the right time. Success comes from patience, wisdom, and self-control.

Hexagram 26 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大畜，利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。"
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable not to eat at home. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This hexagram advises perseverance and restraint. It is not a time for indulgence, but rather for preparation and control. Success comes from being patient and waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 26 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。"
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
English Translation:
“Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. The superior person studies the words and deeds of the past to strengthen their character.”

The image of heaven within the mountain suggests that great power is being restrained and controlled. The superior person uses this time to reflect on past wisdom and experience, cultivating their inner strength.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team