I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 7 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 14
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 7.1.3.4.6 -> 14
7. The Army (師 Shī)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
The Symbolism of Hexagram 7
Hexagram 師 (Shī) concerns the organization of forces under discipline and command. It represents coordinated effort guided by structure, responsibility, and leadership. Strength here does not arise from aggression, but from order, cohesion, and the proper use of authority.
Hexagram 7 Judgment
师贞,丈人吉,无咎。
(Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù.)
"The host is set in order through correct alignment. An experienced authority brings favorable outcome. There is no error."
This judgment emphasizes that a collective force must be grounded in discipline and guided by maturity. Success does not come from force alone, but from leadership that is steady, seasoned, and capable of directing others properly.
When authority is rightly held and exercised with responsibility, the undertaking proceeds without blame.
Hexagram 7 Image
地中有水,師。君子以容民畜众。
(Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng.)
"Water gathers within the earth: the army. The superior person supports the people and brings together the multitude."
Water stored within the earth suggests latent strength held in reserve. The image points to the importance of nurturing and organizing people before any action is taken.
True leadership lies in gathering and sustaining others, creating unity and readiness rather than relying on force alone.
Line 1 Changing
师出以律,否臧凶。
(Shī chū yǐ lǜ, fǒu zāng xiōng.)
"When the host sets out, it must be governed by regulation. If order is lost, unfavorable outcome follows."
This line stresses that structure must be present from the very beginning. Without clear discipline, even a strong force collapses into disorder.
The warning is direct: success depends on adherence to proper form. Without it, failure is inevitable.
Line 3 Changing
师或舆尸,凶。
(Shī huò yú shī, xiōng.)
"The host may bear the dead in its wagons. Unfavorable outcome."
This line presents the image of loss and failure within the ranks. It reflects poor leadership or misjudgment leading to unnecessary harm.
The warning is stark: when command is mishandled, the consequences fall heavily on those who follow.
Line 4 Changing
师左次,无咎。
(Shī zuǒ cì, wú jiù.)
"The host halts and encamps to the side. There is no error."
This line indicates a deliberate pause or repositioning. Rather than advancing blindly, one adjusts and stabilizes the situation.
There is no blame in restraint. Knowing when to hold position is part of sound command.
Line 6 Changing
大君有命,开国承家,小人勿用。
(Dà jūn yǒu mìng, kāi guó chéng jiā, xiǎo rén wù yòng.)
"The great ruler issues commands: founding domains and continuing lineages. Do not engage a person of limited capacity."
This line moves beyond conflict into the establishment of lasting order. After effort and struggle, structure must be set in place properly.
The key warning is about selection: those without integrity must not be entrusted with responsibility, or the entire structure will be undermined.
Changing to:
14. Great Possession (大有 Dà Yǒu)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire) — 火 · Radiance
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
The Symbolism of Hexagram 14
Hexagram 大有 (Dà Yǒu) describes a condition in which what is central holds and illuminates what is strong. Clarity governs power, and what is gathered is directed rather than scattered.
Hexagram 14 Judgment
大有,元亨。
(Dà yǒu, yuán hēng.)
"Great possession. Origin and smooth progress."
This describes a state in which much is held together under a unifying clarity. It is not accumulation alone, but the ability to direct what has been gathered.
Because the center is clear and properly positioned, movement proceeds without obstruction. What is held does not disperse.
Hexagram 14 Image
火在天上,大有。君子以遏恶扬善,顺天休命。
(Huǒ zài tiān shàng, dà yǒu. Jūn zǐ yǐ è è yáng shàn, shùn tiān xiū mìng.)
"Fire shines in heaven: great possession. The superior person restrains what disrupts and brings forward what accords, following the larger pattern of what is established."
Fire above heaven illuminates what is below, making everything visible. Possession here comes through clarity, not force.
The superior person does not impose control arbitrarily, but regulates what is present—checking what disturbs alignment and advancing what sustains it.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team