I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 9 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 15

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 9.1.2.5.6 -> 15

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

9. The Taming Power of the Small

Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin Yin

15. Modesty

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"复自道，何其咎，吉。"
(Fù zì dào, hé qí jiù, jí.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"牵复，吉。"
(Qiān fù, jí.)
English Translation:
“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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚挛如，富以其邻。"
(Yǒu fú luán rú, fù yǐ qí lín.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

15. Modesty (謙 Qiān)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 15

Hexagram 謙 (Qiān) symbolizes modesty. This hexagram represents the virtue of humility, where individuals acknowledge their limitations and act without arrogance. Modesty brings success by allowing growth and development without drawing negative attention.

Hexagram 15 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"謙亨，君子有終。"
(Qiān hēng, jūn zǐ yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Modesty creates success. The superior person completes their task.”

This hexagram advises modest behavior and humility as the key to success. The superior person accomplishes their goals by staying humble and grounded. Modesty allows them to remain focused and avoid unnecessary challenges.

Hexagram 15 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地中有山，謙。君子以裒多益寡，稱物平施。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shān, qiān. Jūn zǐ yǐ póu duō yì guǎ, chēng wù píng shī.)
English Translation:
“Within the earth, there is a mountain: The image of Modesty. The superior person reduces that which is too much and augments that which is too little, thus balancing the gift of things.”

The image of a mountain within the earth symbolizes hidden strength. The superior person uses this time to balance things, helping those with less and gently reducing the excess of those with more. This creates harmony and equilibrium in the world.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team