I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 61 with Changing Lines 2, 6 to Hexagram 3
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 61.2.6 -> 3
61. Inner Truth (中孚 Zhōng Fú)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☱ Duì (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 61
Hexagram 中孚 (Zhōng Fú) represents inner truth, symbolizing sincerity, faithfulness, and trust. This hexagram speaks of the importance of being true to oneself and others. Success comes from acting with sincerity and building trust in relationships.
Hexagram 61 Judgment
"中孚,豚魚吉,利涉大川,利貞。"
(Zhōng fú, tún yú jí, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)
“Inner Truth. Pigs and fish. Good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises acting with sincerity and faithfulness. Success comes from being true to oneself and building trust. It is also favorable to take on significant challenges, symbolized by crossing the great river.
Hexagram 61 Image
"風行澤中,中孚。君子以議獄緩死。"
(Fēng xíng zé zhōng, zhōng fú. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì yù huǎn sǐ.)
“Wind moves over the lake: The image of Inner Truth. The superior person discusses legal cases to delay executions.”
The image of wind moving over the lake represents the power of gentle influence and trust. The superior person, like the wind, uses their influence to ensure fairness and mercy, especially in difficult situations.
Line 2 Changing
"鳴鶴在陰,其子和之,我有好爵,吾與爾靡之。"
(Míng hè zài yīn, qí zǐ hé zhī, wǒ yǒu hǎo jué, wú yǔ ěr mǐ zhī.)
“The crane calls in the shade. Its young respond harmoniously. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you.”
This line speaks of harmony and mutual support in relationships. Like the crane and its young, sincerity and communication lead to joy and cooperation. Sharing one's good fortune with others brings happiness and success.
Line 6 Changing
"翰音登于天,貞凶。"
(Hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, zhēn xiōng.)
“The bird's call rises to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune.”
This line warns against becoming too ambitious or losing touch with reality. The bird's call rising to heaven symbolizes overreaching. It advises remaining grounded and sincere, as excessive ambition leads to misfortune.
Changing to:
3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 3
Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.
Hexagram 3 Judgment
"元亨,利贞,勿用有攸往,利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”
The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.
Hexagram 3 Image
"云雷,屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”
The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team