I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 8 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5 to Hexagram 19

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 8.1.2.5 -> 19

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

8. Holding Together

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang Yang

19. Approach

8. Holding Together (比 Bǐ)

Trigrams

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

The Symbolism of Hexagram 8

Hexagram 比 (Bǐ) represents union, closeness, and collaboration. It suggests that holding together with others leads to success. The hexagram emphasizes loyalty, cooperation, and the importance of working together toward a shared goal. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right companions to achieve unity.

Hexagram 8 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"比，吉。原筮，元永贞，无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。"
(Bǐ, jí. Yuán shì, yuán yǒng zhēn, wú jiù. Bù níng fāng lái, hòu fū xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Holding together brings good fortune. Seek advice with sincerity. Persistence furthers. No blame. Those who are late will face misfortune.”

This hexagram emphasizes the benefits of coming together in cooperation. Seeking advice with sincerity and remaining persistent brings success. However, those who fail to join the group or act too late will face difficulties and misfortune.

Hexagram 8 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水上有地，比。君子以朋友讲习。"
(Shuǐ shàng yǒu dì, bǐ. Jūn zǐ yǐ péng yǒu jiǎng xí.)
English Translation:
“There is land above the water: The image of Holding Together. The superior person takes time to teach and reflect with friends.”

The image of land above water suggests stability and support. Just as the land supports the water, relationships and cooperation provide strength. The superior person uses this time to engage with friends, sharing knowledge and mutual support.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有它，吉。"
(Yǒu fú bǐ zhī, wú jiù. Yǒu fú yíng fǒu, zhōng lái yǒu tā, jí.)
English Translation:
“Sincerity in holding together brings no blame. Sincerity fills the empty vessel. Good fortune follows.”

This line emphasizes the importance of sincerity in relationships. When one approaches others with sincerity, there is no blame. The empty vessel being filled represents the potential for success when trust is established.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"比之自内，贞吉。"
(Bǐ zhī zì nèi, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Holding together with those within brings good fortune.”

This line advises strengthening relationships with those closest to you, whether family, friends, or colleagues. Unity within your inner circle brings security and good fortune.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"显比，王用三驱，失前禽，邑人不诫，吉。"
(Xiǎn bǐ, wáng yòng sān qū, shī qián qín, yì rén bù jiè, jí.)
English Translation:
“The leader holds together openly. The king uses three hunts, but loses the game. The people of the city do not reproach him. Good fortune.”

This line speaks of a leader who holds the group together openly and fairly. Even if some opportunities are lost, the people do not criticize, as they trust the leader’s integrity. In the end, good fortune follows from unity and trust.

Changing to:

19. Approach (臨 Lín)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☱ Dui (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 19

Hexagram 臨 (Lín) represents approach and the movement of something toward fulfillment or completion. It signals the coming of a new season or the start of a new phase. This hexagram advises careful preparation and foresight.

Hexagram 19 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"臨，元亨，利貞。至于八月有凶。"
(Lín, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Zhì yú bā yuè yǒu xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Approach. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.”

This hexagram speaks of approaching success and a period of growth or renewal. However, it also warns that success must be tempered by caution. After a time of abundance (symbolized by the eighth month), challenges may arise. Preparation and foresight are key to sustaining success.

Hexagram 19 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地上有澤，臨。君子以教思無窮，容保民无疆。"
(Dì shàng yǒu zé, lín. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiào sī wú qióng, róng bǎo mín wú jiāng.)
English Translation:
“The earth above the lake: The image of Approach. The superior person teaches and supports without limit, and nurtures the people without boundaries.”

The image of the earth rising above the lake symbolizes the approach of abundance and renewal. The superior person uses this time to nurture and educate others, helping to sustain growth for the long term.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team