I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 7 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 16

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 7.2.4 -> 16

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

7. The Army

Yin Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin

16. Enthusiasm

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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"师左次，无咎。"
(Shī zuǒ cì, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The army retreats to the left. No blame.”

This line advises a strategic retreat. Sometimes, stepping back or taking a defensive position is necessary to avoid greater harm. There is no blame in recognizing when it is wise to withdraw.

Changing to:

16. Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 16

Hexagram 豫 (Yù) represents enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose. This hexagram speaks of a time when energy and joy fuel collective actions. Enthusiasm drives forward progress and creates harmony among people.

Hexagram 16 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豫，利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiasm. It is beneficial to appoint helpers and set armies marching.”

This hexagram signifies a time when enthusiasm drives collective action. It is a good time to delegate tasks to others, appoint capable helpers, and move forward with large plans. Progress is made with shared energy and excitement.

Hexagram 16 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷出地奋，豫。先王以作乐崇德，殷荐之上帝，以配祖考。"
(Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes bursting out of the earth: The image of Enthusiasm. The ancient kings made music and offered it in honor of virtue. They worshiped with reverence at the temple of their ancestors.”

The image of thunder erupting from the earth represents the energy and power of enthusiasm. The ancient kings used this energy to create harmony through music and honor their ancestors. In modern terms, this means using the joy of collective effort to build on past virtues and create a better future.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team