I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 6 to Hexagram 8

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.2.3.6 -> 8

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 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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"頻巽,吝。"
(Pín xùn, lìn.)
English Translation:
“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

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:

8. Holding Together (比 Bǐ)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 8

Hexagram 比 (Bǐ) represents union, closeness, and collaboration. It suggests that holding together with others leads to success. The hexagram emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, and the importance of working together toward a shared goal. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right companions to achieve unity.

Hexagram 8 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"比,吉。原筮,元永贞,无咎。不宁方来,后夫凶。"
(Bǐ, jí. Yuán shì, yuán yǒng zhēn, wú jiù. Bù níng fāng lái, hòu fū xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Holding together brings good fortune. Seek advice with sincerity. Persistence furthers. No blame. Those who are late will face misfortune.”

This hexagram emphasizes the benefits of coming together in cooperation. Seeking advice with sincerity and remaining persistent brings success. However, those who fail to join the group or act too late will face difficulties and misfortune.

Hexagram 8 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水上有地,比。君子以朋友讲习。"
(Shuǐ shàng yǒu dì, bǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ péng yǒu jiǎng xí.)
English Translation:
“There is land above the water: The image of Holding Together. The superior person takes time to teach and reflect with friends.”

The image of land above water suggests stability and support. Just as the land supports the water, relationships and cooperation provide strength. The superior person uses this time to engage with friends, sharing knowledge and mutual support.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team