I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 6 to Hexagram 43

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.1.3.6 -> 43

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

6. Conflict

Yin Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

43. Resolution

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 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:
"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 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:
"One may be granted a belt of honor, yet before the morning is over it is stripped away three times."

This line warns that apparent victory in conflict may be unstable and short-lived. Recognition gained through contention does not rest on secure ground.

What is won outwardly can be quickly lost again. The image cautions against pursuing triumph for status or display.

Changing to:

43. Resolution (夬 Guài)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative

The Symbolism of Hexagram 43

Hexagram 夬 (Guài) describes resolution—pressure has accumulated to a point where it must be released through decisive action.

Lake above heaven shows upward pressure exceeding containment. The system can no longer hold what has built up. A clear break or declaration becomes necessary.

Hexagram 43 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
夬，揚于王庭，孚號有厲，告自邑，不利即戎，利有攸往。
(Guài, yáng yú wáng tíng, fú hào yǒu lì, gào zì yì, bù lì jí róng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
"Resolution. It is proclaimed in the court of the governing authority. Risk present. It is announced from one's own city. It is not favorable to engage in armed confrontation. It is favorable to move with direction."

Accumulated pressure requires explicit resolution. The issue cannot remain internal and must be declared.

However, escalation into conflict is not the correct path. The system resolves through clarity and decisive direction, not aggression.

Hexagram 43 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
澤上于天，夬。君子以施祿及下，居德則忌。
(Zé shàng yú tiān, guài. Jūn zǐ yǐ shī lù jí xià, jū dé zé jì.)
English Translation:
"The lake rises to heaven: resolution. The superior person extends benefits below and remains wary of resting on virtue alone."

When accumulation surpasses structural limits, release becomes unavoidable.

Proper resolution distributes what has built up rather than allowing rupture. Balance is restored by discharge, not suppression.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team