I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 56 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5 to Hexagram 1

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 56.1.2.5 -> 1

56. The Wanderer (旅 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 56

Hexagram 旅 (Lǚ) represents the wanderer, one who travels and is not rooted in a single place. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must adapt to unfamiliar circumstances, relying on resourcefulness and resilience. Success comes from knowing when to move on and how to navigate changing environments.

Hexagram 56 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅,小亨,旅貞吉。"
(Lǚ, xiǎo hēng, lǚ zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“The Wanderer. Small success. Perseverance brings good fortune to the wanderer.”

This hexagram advises that while traveling or navigating unfamiliar situations, success comes from perseverance and adaptability. Although the progress may be small, by remaining flexible and resourceful, good fortune follows.

Hexagram 56 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有火,旅。君子以明慎用刑,而不留狱。"
(Shān shàng yǒu huǒ, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shèn yòng xíng, ér bù liú yù.)
English Translation:
“Fire on the mountain: The image of The Wanderer. The superior person is clear-minded and careful in the use of punishment, avoiding holding prisoners for long.”

The image of fire on the mountain represents a time of transience and impermanence. The superior person, like the wanderer, remains clear-minded and cautious, taking decisive action but not becoming too attached to any single place or situation.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅瑣瑣,斯其所取災。"
(Lǚ suǒ suǒ, sī qí suǒ qǔ zāi.)
English Translation:
“The wanderer is distracted by trivial matters. This invites misfortune.”

This line describes a wanderer who becomes overly concerned with small, insignificant details, losing sight of the bigger picture. It advises staying focused and avoiding distractions, as these lead to misfortune.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅即次,懷其資,得童僕貞。"
(Lǚ jí cì, huái qí zī, dé tóng pú zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The wanderer finds lodging and carries their belongings. A servant is gained through perseverance.”

This line describes a wanderer who finds a place to rest and secures their resources. By remaining diligent and careful, they also gain help or support. It advises being resourceful and not neglecting practical needs while traveling.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"射雉,一矢亡,終以譽命。"
(Shè zhì, yī shǐ wáng, zhōng yǐ yù mìng.)
English Translation:
“Shooting a pheasant. The first arrow misses, but in the end, praise is received.”

This line describes initial failure, but eventual success. Although the first attempt may not succeed (symbolized by the missed arrow), perseverance leads to praise and recognition. It advises not giving up after early setbacks.

Changing to:

1. The Creative (乾 Qián)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 1

Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.

Hexagram 1 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”

The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.

Hexagram 1 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天行健,君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
English Translation:
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”

The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team