I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 3
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.1.2.3.6 -> 3
57. The Gentle (巽 Xùn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 57
Hexagram 巽 (Xùn) represents the gentle, penetrating influence of wind. This hexagram speaks of subtlety and gradual progress. Success comes from gentle persistence, allowing time for small influences to create great changes.
Hexagram 57 Judgment
"巽,小亨,利有攸往,利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
“The Gentle. Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.”
This hexagram advises taking small, gradual steps toward progress. Like the wind, influence is subtle but consistent. Success comes from moving forward carefully and seeking wise counsel when needed.
Hexagram 57 Image
"隨風,巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
“Wind following wind: The image of The Gentle. The superior person uses clear orders and acts with authority.”
The image of wind following wind represents a situation where influence builds gradually, reinforcing itself over time. The superior person, like the wind, acts with gentle authority and clear guidance, ensuring progress through consistency.
Line 1 Changing
"進退,利武人之貞。"
(Jìn tuì, lì wǔ rén zhī zhēn.)
“Advancing and retreating. It is favorable for the warrior to persevere.”
This line describes a situation of uncertainty, where one is unsure whether to advance or retreat. For the warrior, perseverance and staying true to principles lead to success. It advises careful consideration before acting.
Line 2 Changing
"巽在床下,用史巫紛若,吉,无咎。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, yòng shǐ wū fēn ruò, jí, wú jiù.)
“The gentle influence is under the bed. Using divination brings clarity. Good fortune. No blame.”
This line describes subtle influence or hidden forces at work, symbolized by the gentle influence under the bed. By seeking clarity through divination or wise counsel, good fortune follows, and there is no blame for careful actions.
Line 3 Changing
"頻巽,吝。"
(Pín xùn, lìn.)
“Repeated gentleness brings regret.”
This line warns that being overly gentle or yielding can lead to regret. While gentleness is valuable, it must be balanced with firmness. It advises avoiding excessive accommodation, as this may result in missed opportunities or weakness.
Line 6 Changing
"巽在床下,喪其資斧,貞凶。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, sàng qí zī fǔ, zhēn xiōng.)
“The gentle influence is under the bed. Losing tools. Perseverance brings misfortune.”
This line describes a situation where being too passive or hidden leads to the loss of important resources. It warns against inaction or being overly cautious, as this can result in misfortune. It advises balancing gentleness with assertiveness.
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
"元亨,利贞,勿用有攸往,利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
“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
"云雷,屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
“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