I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 55 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 3

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 55.3.4.5 -> 3

55. Abundance (豐 Fēng)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 55

Hexagram 豐 (Fēng) represents abundance, fullness, and prosperity. This hexagram speaks of a time of great success, where everything flourishes and grows. Success comes from managing abundance wisely and preparing for the inevitable changes that follow prosperity.

Hexagram 55 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豐,亨,王假之,勿憂,宜日中。"
(Fēng, hēng, wáng jiǎ zhī, wù yōu, yí rì zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Abundance. Success. The king approaches it. Do not worry. It is favorable to be at midday.”

This hexagram advises embracing the current time of abundance and success. Just as midday represents the peak of the sun’s strength, this is a time of fullness and growth. However, it also advises managing this abundance with care and preparing for future changes.

Hexagram 55 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電皆至,豐。君子以折獄致刑。"
(Léi diàn jiē zhì, fēng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhé yù zhì xíng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and lightning arrive together: The image of Abundance. The superior person settles legal cases and administers punishment.”

The image of thunder and lightning represents the intensity and power of abundance. The superior person, like a wise ruler, uses this time of prosperity to address issues, settle disputes, and ensure justice is served.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"豐其沛,日中見沬,折其右肱,无咎。"
(Fēng qí pèi, rì zhōng jiàn mèi, zhé qí yòu gōng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Abundance overflows. At midday, one sees foam. The right arm is broken. No blame.”

This line speaks of abundance reaching its peak and beginning to overflow, symbolized by the foam at midday. Although there may be setbacks (like the broken arm), there is no blame, as this is a natural part of the cycle of abundance.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"豐其蔀,日中見斗,遇其夷主,吉。"
(Fēng qí bù, rì zhōng jiàn dǒu, yù qí yí zhǔ, jí.)
English Translation:
“Abundance under the cover. At midday, one sees the constellation. Meeting the leader of the tribe. Good fortune.”

This line describes a situation where abundance is still partly hidden, but progress is made by meeting a wise leader or guide. With the right support, good fortune follows.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"來章,有慶譽,吉。"
(Lái zhāng, yǒu qìng yù, jí.)
English Translation:
“Bringing clarity and brilliance. There is praise and celebration. Good fortune.”

This line describes the successful manifestation of abundance, where clarity and brilliance bring praise and recognition. It advises embracing this time of celebration and enjoying the good fortune that follows.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利贞,勿用有攸往,利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷,屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team