I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 36

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.1.2.5.6 -> 36

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽,小亨,利有攸往,利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨風,巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"進退,利武人之貞。"
(Jìn tuì, lì wǔ rén zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽在床下,用史巫紛若,吉,无咎。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, yòng shǐ wū fēn ruò, jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉,悔亡,無不利,無初有終,先庚三日,後庚三日,吉。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, wú bù lì, wú chū yǒu zhōng, xiān gēng sān rì, hòu gēng sān rì, jí.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. Nothing is unfavorable. No beginning, but an end. Three days before and three days after the new moon, good fortune.”

This line speaks of long-term success through perseverance and careful timing. Although progress may not be immediate, by staying consistent and planning ahead, good fortune follows. It advises patience and careful planning.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽在床下,喪其資斧,貞凶。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, sàng qí zī fǔ, zhēn xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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:

36. Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 36

Hexagram 明夷 (Míng Yí) represents a time when clarity and light are obscured. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or oppression, where one's light is dimmed or hidden. Success comes from remaining patient and inwardly strong while waiting for the right time to act.

Hexagram 36 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"明夷,利艱貞。"
(Míng yí, lì jiān zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Darkening of the Light. It is favorable to persevere in hardship.”

This hexagram advises perseverance during times of difficulty, when clarity and light are obscured. Success comes from remaining inwardly strong and enduring through hardship without losing hope.

Hexagram 36 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"明入地中,明夷。君子以莅眾用晦而明。"
(Míng rù dì zhōng, míng yí. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì zhòng yòng huì ér míng.)
English Translation:
“The light has sunk into the earth: The image of Darkening of the Light. The superior person manages the people by obscuring their brilliance but remaining internally bright.”

The image of light sinking into the earth symbolizes a time of concealment or oppression. The superior person hides their brilliance to protect themselves but continues to maintain clarity and wisdom within.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team