I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 7 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 53

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 7.2.3.5.6 -> 53

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

7. The Army

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yin Yin

53. Development

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"在师中吉，无咎，王三锡命。"
(Zài shī zhōng jí, wú jiù, wáng sān xī mìng.)
English Translation:
“In the midst of the army, there is good fortune and no blame. The king bestows a triple mandate.”

This line speaks of a leader within the army who is in harmony with the group. Acting in accordance with proper leadership brings good fortune. The triple mandate represents honors or rewards from the king for leading effectively.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"师或舆尸，凶。"
(Shī huò yú shī, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The army carries corpses. Misfortune.”

This line describes an army that has suffered defeat or severe losses. The image of carrying corpses suggests failure and destruction. It warns of the dangers of war and the potential for misfortune if the army is not properly managed.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"田有禽，利执言，无咎。长子帅师，弟子舆尸，贞凶。"
(Tián yǒu qín, lì zhí yán, wú jiù. Cháng zǐ shuài shī, dì zǐ yú shī, zhēn xiōng.)
English Translation:
“In the field there are birds. It is beneficial to catch them. No blame. The eldest son leads the army. The younger son carries corpses. Perseverance leads to misfortune.”

This line speaks of opportunities in the field, symbolized by birds. It advises acting swiftly and decisively to capture opportunities. However, if the younger and less experienced lead, misfortune may follow, while the elder and more experienced should be the ones in charge.

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:

53. Development (漸 Jiàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 53

Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.

Hexagram 53 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.

Hexagram 53 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
English Translation:
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”

The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team