I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4 to Hexagram 42

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.1.2.4 -> 42

Young Yang Young Yang Old Yang Young Yin Old Yang Old Yin

6. Conflict

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

42. Increase

6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth

The Symbolism of Hexagram 6

Hexagram 訟 (Sòng) describes contention, dispute, and opposing claims. It arises when two sides move against each other and no natural accord is present. The hexagram does not treat conflict as inherently heroic; it shows that once contention hardens, it becomes difficult to conclude well.

In human terms, conflict tends to escalate if not recognized early. Clarity, restraint, and careful judgment shape whether it remains manageable or grows into something more difficult to resolve.

Hexagram 6 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
"There is underlying alignment, but also obstruction and apprehension. A middle course brings favorable outcome; carrying it through to the end brings unfavorable outcome. It is favorable to engage a person of great capacity. It is not a case where it is favorable to undertake a major transition."

This passage describes a conflict in which one may be sincere and justified, yet still blocked by opposing forces. The best outcome comes from handling the matter before it hardens into a prolonged struggle. Once pushed to the extreme, even a justified dispute turns harmful.

Seeking sound judgment and avoiding major undertakings while contention is active allows the situation to remain contained. Resolution depends on measured handling rather than total victory.

Hexagram 6 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
English Translation:
"Heaven and water move in opposite directions: conflict. The superior person considers the beginning of affairs."

The image shows two movements that do not align, making friction inevitable. Conflict often begins not at the moment of open dispute, but much earlier, in mismatched intentions and directions.

For that reason, the lesson is to think carefully at the outset. When beginnings are handled well, open contention is less likely to arise.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
不永所事，小有言，终吉。
(Bù yǒng suǒ shì, xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
"Do not continue the matter for long. There may be some small words, but ending in a favorable outcome."

This line advises against extending a dispute unnecessarily. Minor disagreement or criticism may still occur, but it need not grow into something larger.

The good outcome comes from not pressing the issue too far. Letting a small quarrel stop at a small quarrel prevents greater trouble.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
不克訟，归而逋。其邑人三百户，无眚。
(Bù kè sòng, guī ér bū. Qí yì rén sān bǎi hù, wú shěng.)
English Translation:
"One cannot prevail in the dispute. Return and withdraw. The people of one's town, three hundred households, are without harm."

This line recognizes a conflict that cannot be won. The wise response is retreat, not because one is necessarily wrong, but because continuation would bring needless damage.

Withdrawal protects what is still intact. By stepping back, one preserves one's circle and avoids wider harm.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
不克訟，復即命渝，安貞吉。
(Bù kè sòng, fù jí mìng yú, ān zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
"One cannot prevail in the dispute. Turn back and return to what is appointed; changing course and settling into correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."

This line shows the moment when pressing further no longer serves any purpose. The proper response is to stop contending, accept the situation, and alter one's course.

Good fortune comes through settling oneself rather than pushing for victory. Peace is restored by returning to stability.

Changing to:

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) describes increase—expansion through directed addition and reinforcement. The system gains capacity because energy is being applied where it produces real growth.

Wind above thunder shows propagation emerging from activation. What begins as movement below spreads outward and upward, creating amplification. Increase here is not mere accumulation, but growth that extends functional reach.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
益，利有攸往，利涉大川。
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
"Increase. It is favorable to move with direction. It is favorable to undertake a major transition."

Increase creates conditions for forward movement. The system has enough added capacity to undertake something consequential.

This is not passive growth. Expansion is meant to be used, especially where a larger passage or transition must be made.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
"Wind and thunder stir together: increase. The superior person moves toward what is good and corrects what is mistaken."

Increase is not just receiving more. It also requires responsiveness—taking in what strengthens the system and removing what weakens it.

Growth is sustained by adjustment. Increase and correction work together.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team