I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 56 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 2

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 56.3.4.6 -> 2

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅焚其次,喪其童僕,貞厲。"
(Lǚ fén qí cì, sàng qí tóng pú, zhēn lì.)
English Translation:
“The wanderer’s lodging burns down. Their servant is lost. Perseverance brings danger.”

This line describes a situation where the wanderer’s temporary lodging is destroyed, and their support is lost. It advises caution, as continuing in the same way leads to further danger. It may be time to change course or re-evaluate the situation.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"旅于處,得其資斧,我心不快。"
(Lǚ yú chù, dé qí zī fǔ, wǒ xīn bù kuài.)
English Translation:
“The wanderer rests in their place and obtains tools. Yet, the heart is not content.”

This line speaks of a wanderer who finds temporary success or security, symbolized by obtaining tools. However, despite these gains, they feel unsettled or discontent. It advises recognizing that material success may not bring true satisfaction.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鳥焚其巢,旅人先笑後號咷,喪牛于易,凶。"
(Niǎo fén qí cháo, lǚ rén xiān xiào hòu háo táo, sàng niú yú yì, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The bird burns its nest. The wanderer laughs first, then cries out in grief. The ox is lost at the border. Misfortune.”

This line speaks of a situation where one’s temporary success is destroyed, symbolized by the burned nest. The wanderer’s initial joy turns to grief as they realize their loss. It advises avoiding reckless actions and recognizing the fragility of the situation.

Changing to:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤,君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team