I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 64 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 64.1.3.4.5 -> 9

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

64. Before Completion

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

9. The Taming Power of the Small

64. Before Completion (未濟 Wèi Jì)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 64

Hexagram 未濟 (Wèi Jì) represents the state before completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is nearly complete but not yet finished. This hexagram speaks of the importance of staying focused and patient as the final steps are taken. Success comes from careful attention and avoiding premature action.

Hexagram 64 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"未濟，亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。"
(Wèi jì, hēng. Xiǎo hú qì jì, rú qí wěi, wú yōu lì.)
English Translation:
“Before Completion. Success. The small fox nearly crosses the river but gets its tail wet. Nothing is favorable.”

This hexagram advises caution and patience as one nears the completion of a task. Like the small fox crossing the river, a lack of care in the final stages can lead to setbacks. It warns against premature action and advises paying close attention to detail.

Hexagram 64 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。"
(Huǒ zài shuǐ shàng, wèi jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn biàn wù jū fāng.)
English Translation:
“Fire over water: The image of Before Completion. The superior person carefully distinguishes things and places them in their proper position.”

The image of fire over water represents the tension between opposing forces and the need for balance. The superior person, like the elements, carefully considers all factors and makes thoughtful decisions to ensure success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"曳其輪，濡其尾，无咎。"
(Yè qí lún, rú qí wěi, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Dragging the wheels. Wetting the tail. No blame.”

This line advises caution in the early stages of a task or journey. Although progress may be slow or difficult, there is no blame as long as one remains careful and patient. It advises avoiding rash actions.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"未濟，征凶，利涉大川。"
(Wèi jì, zhēng xiōng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Before Completion. Going forward brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This line warns of the dangers of moving forward too quickly, as misfortune may follow. However, by carefully preparing and acting with patience, one can successfully cross the great river and overcome the challenge.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有賞于大國。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, zhèn yòng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián yǒu shǎng yú dà guó.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. The thunderous force is used to attack the Gui Fang. After three years, there is reward in the great kingdom.”

This line describes a long-term challenge or struggle that eventually brings success. Although the effort may take time, perseverance leads to good fortune and reward. It advises staying committed and patient.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之禴祭，實受其福。"
(Dōng lín shā niú, bù rú xī lín zhī yuè jì, shí shòu qí fú.)
English Translation:
“The neighbor in the east slaughters an ox. It does not compare to the neighbor in the west's simple sacrifice. The latter receives the blessing.”

This line advises that sincerity is more important than extravagance. A simple, sincere effort brings greater blessings than a grand but superficial one. It advises focusing on substance and avoiding unnecessary show.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team