I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 9 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 16
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 9.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 16
9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 9
Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.
Hexagram 9 Judgment
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”
This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.
Hexagram 9 Image
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”
The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.
Line 1 Changing
"复自道，何其咎，吉。"
(Fù zì dào, hé qí jiù, jí.)
“Returning to the path. No blame. Good fortune.”
This line advises returning to the proper course. If one has strayed, there is no harm in correcting oneself. This return brings good fortune and is free from blame.
Line 2 Changing
"牵复，吉。"
(Qiān fù, jí.)
“Dragging back the carriage. Good fortune.”
This line describes pulling back or restraining the carriage to avoid rushing ahead. It advises caution and careful control, which leads to good fortune. Sometimes slowing down is the best course of action.
Line 3 Changing
"舆说辐，夫妻反目。"
(Yú shuō fú, fū qī fǎn mù.)
“The carriage loses its wheel. The husband and wife turn against each other.”
This line warns of disorder and disharmony. The image of a carriage losing its wheel represents a breakdown in communication or cooperation. In relationships, this may lead to conflict if not addressed. It advises resolving misunderstandings before they escalate.
Line 4 Changing
"有孚，血去惕出，无咎。"
(Yǒu fú, xuè qù tì chū, wú jiù.)
“Sincerity brings relief. Blood leaves, and fear departs. No blame.”
This line speaks of overcoming fear and danger through sincerity and trust. The image of blood leaving symbolizes the resolution of harm, and fear subsides as a result. When acting with integrity, one can overcome adversity without blame.
Line 5 Changing
"有孚挛如，富以其邻。"
(Yǒu fú luán rú, fù yǐ qí lín.)
“Sincerity binds together. You enrich yourself by helping your neighbors.”
This line speaks of the power of trust and cooperation. By being sincere and supporting those around you, you not only help others but also strengthen your own position. Mutual benefit and prosperity come from working together.
Line 6 Changing
"既雨既处，尚德载，妇贞厉。月几望，君子征凶。"
(Jì yǔ jì chù, shàng dé zài, fù zhēn lì. Yuè jī wàng, jūn zǐ zhēng xiōng.)
“It has rained, and the rest is over. Virtue is displayed, but a woman's perseverance leads to danger. As the moon nears fullness, the superior person goes on an expedition and meets misfortune.”
This line speaks of a time after the rain (action) has passed. Although things seem calm, there is hidden danger in overextending oneself, especially for the superior person. The image of the moon nearing fullness represents a situation that is almost complete, and pushing further could lead to harm.
When All Lines are Changing
"用九，吉。"
(Yòng jiǔ, jí.)
“Success through restraint brings good fortune.”
The final comment reinforces the theme of this hexagram: success comes through self-control, patience, and attending to small matters. By mastering restraint, good fortune follows.
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
"豫，利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
“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
"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.)
“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