I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 7 with Changing Lines 1, 6 to Hexagram 41

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 7.1.6 -> 41

7. The Army (師 Shī)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 7

Hexagram 師 (Shī) represents the army and the discipline and organization required to achieve victory. This hexagram speaks of leadership, collective effort, and the strength derived from unity and command.

Hexagram 7 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"师贞,丈人吉,无咎。"
(Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The Army needs perseverance and a strong leader. Good fortune. No blame.”

An army, or any collective effort, requires perseverance and a capable leader to succeed. When these conditions are met, good fortune follows, and no harm comes to those involved.

Hexagram 7 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有水,師。君子以容民畜众。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng.)
English Translation:
“Water is within the earth: The image of The Army. The superior person nourishes the people and builds a great community.”

The image of water within the earth represents the hidden strength and resources of a collective group. The superior person understands how to nurture and unite these resources, creating a strong and cohesive community.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"师出以律,否臧凶。"
(Shī chū yǐ lǜ, fǒu zāng xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The army goes out according to rules. If the rules are not followed, misfortune.”

This line emphasizes the importance of discipline and order within the army. Success is only possible if the rules are followed. If the army acts without discipline, misfortune will result.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"大君有命,开国承家,小人勿用。"
(Dà jūn yǒu mìng, kāi guó chéng jiā, xiǎo rén wù yòng.)
English Translation:
“The great leader issues a mandate. Establish states and families. Do not employ petty people.”

This line speaks of a great leader who establishes order and ensures prosperity for the community. It advises against employing or relying on petty or selfish individuals, as they can disrupt the greater good.

Changing to:

41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 41

Hexagram 損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Hexagram 41 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"損,有孚,元吉,無咎。可貞,利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Hexagram 41 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有澤,損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)
English Translation:
“There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires.”

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team