I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 2
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.2.3.5.6 -> 2
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 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 5 Changing
"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.)
“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
"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:
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
"元亨,利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
“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
"地势坤,君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
“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