I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 39

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.2.3.4.6 -> 39

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

6. Conflict

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin

39. Obstruction

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 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 bù. Qí yì rén sān bǎi hù, wú shěng.)
English Translation:
“You cannot win this conflict. Withdraw and retreat. The people in your community (300 households) will remain unharmed.”

Continuing the conflict will not bring success. By retreating, you prevent harm to yourself and your community, ensuring peace and safety for those around you.

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:

39. Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 39

Hexagram 蹇 (Jiǎn) symbolizes obstacles or obstructions. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or impediments on one's path. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and knowing when to retreat and when to push forward.

Hexagram 39 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇，利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。"
(Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest, not favorable to go northeast. It is beneficial to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises adjusting one's direction when facing obstacles. Success comes from going with the flow (symbolized by the southwest) rather than forcing one's way forward. Meeting with a wise person and persevering brings good fortune.

Hexagram 39 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
English Translation:
“Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. The superior person turns inward and cultivates virtue.”

The image of water on a mountain represents difficulties or obstacles that prevent easy progress. The superior person uses this time to turn inward, cultivating inner strength and virtue while waiting for the right time to act.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team