I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 26
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.1.3.4.5 -> 26
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
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.)
"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
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.)
"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
不永所事，小有言，终吉。
(Bù yǒng suǒ shì, xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)
"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 3 Changing
食旧德，贞厉，终吉。或从王事，无成。
(Shí jiù dé, zhēn lì, zhōng jí. Huò cóng wáng shì, wú chéng.)
"Living on former virtue. Correct alignment: risk present, yet ending in a favorable outcome. One may follow the governing authority's work, but without personal achievement."
This line points to relying on what has already been earned rather than forcing a claim in the present. Holding firm is risky, but not ruinous, if one remains properly grounded.
It also suggests serving a larger cause without seeking credit. The matter may be carried through, but not in a way that brings personal distinction.
Line 4 Changing
不克訟，復即命渝，安貞吉。
(Bù kè sòng, fù jí mìng yú, ān zhēn jí.)
"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.
Line 5 Changing
訟元吉。
(Sòng yuán jí.)
"In conflict, there is primary favorable outcome."
This line points to a dispute handled at the right level and in the right way. It suggests sound judgment, fairness, and the ability to bring the matter to proper resolution.
The good fortune does not come from contention itself, but from the just settlement of it. Under capable handling, even conflict can lead to a good outcome.
Changing to:
26. Great Accumulation (大畜 Dà Chù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
The Symbolism of Hexagram 26
Hexagram 大畜 (Dà Chù) describes the containment of great force. Strength is not expressed outwardly but held, stored, and disciplined until the proper moment.
Hexagram 26 Judgment
大畜，利貞。不家食，吉。利涉大川。
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
"Great accumulation. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Not eating at home brings favorable outcome. It is favorable to undertake a major transition."
Power is being gathered and restrained. Alignment ensures that what is accumulated remains usable and not destructive.
Not eating at home indicates reliance on a larger order rather than personal reserves. When strength is properly contained, it becomes possible to undertake significant movement.
Hexagram 26 Image
天在山中，大畜。君子以多識前言往行，以畜其德。
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
"Heaven is held within the mountain: great accumulation. The superior person learns from many past words and deeds and stores up virtue."
Heaven represents immense force; the mountain contains it. This is not suppression, but structured holding.
Through study and reflection, strength is accumulated internally and made stable.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team