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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 64.1.3.5 -> 1

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

64. Before Completion

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

1. The Creative

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 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:

1. The Creative (乾 Qián)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 1

Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.

Hexagram 1 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”

The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.

Hexagram 1 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
English Translation:
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”

The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team