I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.1.3.4.6 -> 5

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

6. Conflict

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 6

Hexagram Sòng (Conflict) represents a time of dispute or disagreement. This hexagram signals a moment when conflicts must be addressed. The key to resolution lies in upholding righteousness and avoiding impulsive reactions driven by anger or emotion.

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:
“Conflict demands sincerity. Be cautious and halt before it escalates. There is success in the middle, but disaster awaits at the end. It is beneficial to consult a wise person, but unfavorable to undertake major ventures, like crossing a great river.”

Conflict is best managed through sincerity and careful restraint. Success comes from resolving disputes in the middle stage, before they intensify. While there may be some early success, prolonged conflict leads to harm. Seeking advice from a wise figure is beneficial, but engaging in large-scale endeavors (crossing a great river) is unwise during this time.

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—this is the image of Conflict. The wise person uses this time to plan carefully at the outset of any endeavor.”

Heaven and water moving apart symbolize discord and opposition. The wise person uses this time to strategize and avoid rushing into any new ventures, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning in navigating conflict.

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 keep pushing your case. There may be a minor argument, but it will ultimately end well.”

This line advises against prolonging conflict. Small disputes may occur, but it is wise not to press them. Letting go leads to a favorable resolution.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“Relying on past achievements. Perseverance invites danger, but it will ultimately end well. Serving the king brings no reward.”

This line warns against relying solely on past accomplishments. While persistence may lead to challenges, staying true to your principles will bring a positive outcome. However, official duties or serving higher powers may not bring any tangible results at this time.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"或訟之，几，终凶。"
(Huò sòng zhī, jī, zhōng xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Conflict is brought against you. You may approach cautiously, but it will ultimately lead to misfortune.”

Conflict initiated by others is difficult to avoid, even with caution. Without proper resolution, it is likely to end poorly.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。"
(Huò xī zhī pán dài, zhōng zhāo sān chǐ zhī.)
English Translation:
“An honor is bestowed, but it is taken away three times before noon.”

This line serves as a warning that rewards or recognition may be fleeting. Temporary honors can quickly vanish, leading to a loss of status or reputation.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team