I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 6 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 2

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 6.2.4.5.6 -> 2

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

6. Conflict

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin

2. The Receptive

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 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.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
訟元吉。
(Sòng yuán jí.)
English Translation:
"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.

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:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents receptive power—the capacity to receive, support, and bring things to completion. It corresponds to earth: steady, open, and sustaining. Rather than initiating movement, it responds and gives form to what has begun.

In human terms, it reflects patience, humility, and reliability. Strength here is not forceful, but enduring—expressed through consistency, support, and the ability to carry responsibility without resistance.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
坤，元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞，吉。
(Kūn, yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn. Jūn zǐ yǒu yōu wǎng, xiān mí hòu dé zhǔ, lì xī nán dé péng, dōng běi sàng péng. Ān zhēn, jí.)
English Translation:
"Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to be steady like a mare. It is favorable to move with direction: at first there is confusion, then a guiding direction is found. It is favorable to gain companions in the southwest and to lose companions in the northeast. Resting in correct alignment leads to a favorable outcome."

This passage describes a path that unfolds through yielding rather than forcing. At first, direction may not be clear, but by remaining open and responsive, alignment gradually emerges. The references to gaining and losing companions point to moving with what supports you and letting go of what does not.

The core idea is steady receptivity. By remaining grounded and consistent, one finds the right path and proceeds with support rather than strain.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
地势坤，君子以厚德载物。
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
"The earth's condition is receptive: the receptive. The superior person carries and supports all things through depth and capacity."

The earth receives and sustains everything without preference or resistance. This becomes a model for human conduct: to develop depth of character that can hold responsibility and support others.

The emphasis is on capacity rather than control. Strength is expressed through what one can carry and sustain over time.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team