I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 61 with Changing Lines 3, 6 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 61.3.6 -> 5

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"中孚,豚魚吉,利涉大川,利貞。"
(Zhōng fú, tún yú jí, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"得敵,或鼓或罷,或泣或歌。"
(Dé dí, huò gǔ huò bà, huò qì huò gē.)
English Translation:
“Finding an enemy. Sometimes beating the drum, sometimes retreating. Sometimes weeping, sometimes singing.”

This line describes a situation where one encounters conflict or opposition. The response is mixed—sometimes aggressive, sometimes passive, sometimes joyful, and sometimes sorrowful. It advises remaining sincere and flexible in dealing with conflict.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"翰音登于天,貞凶。"
(Hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, zhēn xiōng.)
English Translation:
“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:

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