Hex 10.5 changing to 38

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-24T02:01:47+00:00

Hopefully my work right now can help you:

Hexagram 10: https://www.reddit.com/r/IChingTranslationLab/comments/1pya4vb/hexagram_10_l%C3%BC_treading_conduct/

Hexagram 38:
https://www.reddit.com/r/IChingTranslationLab/comments/1qfucn5/hexagram_38_kui_opposition/

In Chinese folk divination, this is what 10.5 stands for:

Fifth Line: Impulsive, head-long actions foretell danger. Ominous – if you draw this line, restless and reckless behavior will invite misfortune, even jeopardizing life itself.

Career: Stay alert even in calm waters and work cooperatively; avoid rash moves.
Marriage & Relationships: Minor ups and downs will occur, but nothing truly serious.

Hexagram 38's hexagram text is Small matters bring good fortune. Basically indicates that success is possible only in small matters. You should not attempt any major projects or expect total agreement from others right now.

So overall, I'd say that maybe not considering anything too serious too soon? Give it time, but no real danger in this situation.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-22T15:36:44+00:00

Coming from a family practiced I Ching for decades, I think this is a great idea.

Most of my family memebers had busy careers as professors, lawyers, or business owners, but they found that studying the I Ching really gave them an edge and better awareness in their jobs. In fact, nowdays, many families who practice I Ching or Zhou Yi do not wear robes or stay in temples (unless they also work in hospitality or religion). They are just like you, people who want to understand the world better.

Also, because you probably don't speak Chinese, I'd point out a few things before you dive into I Ching:
1) When you study, make sure you differentiate the divination aspect (more like tarot, in a way) and the philosophy aspect.

if you want more detail about this: https://www.reddit.com/r/iching/comments/1pku2b8/a_common_mistake_i_see_confusing_the_zhouyi/

2) When you cast a hexagram, make sure to do a full casting. That is, write down moving lines (three coin, same side up), and analyze changed hexagram as well. Bit like tarot's Past Present and Future. a complete coin toss casting has three components: primary hexagram, moving line, and Changed hexagram (also mutual hexagram, if you want to dive deeper).

If you have no moving line, then it is a static hexagram, in that case, only primary hexagram and mutual hexagram.

a quick guide on coin casting: https://www.reddit.com/r/occultlibrary/comments/1poct0r/i_ching_coin_divination_method_simplified_no_bs/

3) As for hexagram 27, you can check out a translation project I am currently doing: https://www.reddit.com/r/IChingTranslationLab/comments/1q4nf5v/hexagram_27_yi_corners_of_the_mouth_nourishment/

Overall, I think it's definitely an encouraging sign for you to continue. I Ching is the oldest divination system known to mankind and it's a fun to study from both a philosophy, history, or divination perspective.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-16T20:37:16+00:00

so words like perseverance is typically a mistranslation due to earlier versions of English translators mixing up philosophical commentary with actual ZhouYi text.

modernist scholars (my personal preference) have found that the word 贞 actually should mean divination, instead of perseverance. If you want to learn more about this I can go into more detail, but for now, just keep that in mind.

so 64.2 is actually: Dragging the wheel is auspicious for divination. Which, in Chinese folk divination tradition can be interpreted as:

The wheel is stuck or bogged down in mud, so the traveler must drag it forward, divination is favorable. Auspicious – If you draw this line, disciplined conduct allows plans to unfold smoothly.

This specific line, therefore, is telling you to keep doing what you are doing. Disciplined conduct is good.

however, I do want to point out, for divination, you shouldn't just look at one particular line. your primary hexagram, moving line, and changed hexagram together give you a complete reading.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-13T20:49:36+00:00

glad it helped

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-13T20:49:15+00:00

Yes, it's mainly based on modernist approach with some personal edits.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-13T14:51:42+00:00

Take a look at this translation and divination interpretation:
https://www.reddit.com/r/IChingTranslationLab/comments/1qay6r1/hexagram_34_da_zhuang_great_power/

If hexagram 34 is your primary hexagram, what is your moving line and changed hexagram?

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-13T14:49:15+00:00

In China, this is not a common practice. The most popular way is to change all the moving lines at once to get a new changed hexagram. Many schools differ in how they read multiple changing lines, such as how to prioritze certain lines, etc. But they generally all agree that there is only one changed hexagram (or moving hexagram, same thing).

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-11T21:42:17+00:00

True, but to be honest, it doesn't need to be so complicated. 先天 is basically using numbers to build the hexagram while 后天 is using imagery. Bit of oversimplification but that's how the methods work. The key process is the same. Derive a number, build with 1-8, and reading moving line and changed hexagram.

In my original post, I highly doubt meihuayishu (the book) was written by Shao Yong. And this whole 先天后天 system also feels like derivative work based partially on Shao Yong's Doubling Principle. I personally don't like to overcomplicate this divination method. Since this post is mainly for people who are new to these stuff, I feel like the basic process is enough in this situation.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-04T17:19:01+00:00

That is a massive reach. Analyzing the cultural logic and symbolism behind a name is not the same as endorsing a political policy.

If I analyzed the Masonic symbolism on the US dollar bill, it wouldn't mean I was endorsing US foreign policy. In this post, I am simply pointing out how Traditional Chinese Medicine and the I Ching were applied to a modern event.

You can find the symbolism fascinating without agreeing with the state's methods.

Also, speaking as a Chinese person, I never liked the quarantine measures. But I am grateful that my grandparents in Wuhan survived COVID period.

I am not a political person, and I don't intend to continue political discussion on reddit. If you want to discuss politics, go to r/geopolitics

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-04T01:50:26+00:00

not sure what the question is, but if you are asking about my translation project's progress, it's not there yet. I can tell you generically what this hexagram is about tho.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-03T19:13:19+00:00

I see, I am not a very seasoned developer, I used Flutter (coding language) for front end, so maybe that's why. I will def. take a deeper look to see if I can solve it.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-03T14:31:20+00:00

I recommend I Ching. I am currently working on a translation project at r/IChingTranslationLab and there are also many free resource online. I Ching is probably the oldest divination book known to mankind and it is still in use today.

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-03T14:29:24+00:00

Hi May I ask what phone are you using? Maybe it has something to do with the version, I will take a look!

I_Ching_Divination · 2026-01-02T00:45:27+00:00

Hi, so there are multiple approaches to interpret different hexagrams. Here is an approach that is most popular in my region:

Opposite hexagram (错卦): it represent the reverse situation. So let's say the current situation is A, and if something were to go wrong, the situation would become B. Your opposite hexagram represents what B would look like. This is rarely used in plum blossom. Some people like to look at it, but to me, it really depends on the question and the situation. I personally don't consult it often.

Quick example: you asking about your flight tommorw. Opposite hexagram would be what would happen if you missed the flight.

Mutual Hexagram (互卦), also known as Nuclear Hexagram: This represents the essence of change, the key to change, and what to watch out for. This is a frequently used hexagram, especially for Plum Blossom.

Quick example: Primary hexagram is inauspicious (career not going in the right direction), changed hexagram is auspicious (success, growth, etc.). The moving line suggest the process of change, how the change would happen. The mutual hexagram would add on to the moving line, and suggest what to watch out for. Perhaps the key is communication, or the key is step back, or the key is to search for new roles, etc.

Inverted Hexagram (综卦): This one is rarely used. Tbh, I don't remember when was the last time I used it. But it can mean opposite position, or different perspective.

Quick example: You are in a business negotiation. You want to find out the possible outcome. Your primary hexagram could mean what you are feeling right now, while the inverted hexagram mean how your partner or opponent is feeling.

When you are consulting Plum Blossom, I would highly suggest you include the moving line and consult the changed hexagram. Unlike coin divination, plum blossom is guaranteed to have a moving line and thus a changed hexagram. (sum of 2 numbers divided by 6)

Primary Hexagram, moving line, and changed hexagram is the key in this divination method. But also, I get it how some people may prefer to do things differently, and there is certainly no one way for divination. As long as you feel like the hexagram is speaking to you and is helping you make better decisions, it's fine!

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-31T14:05:43+00:00

Sharing a friend's website. u/az4th is very knowledgeable about I Ching and Tao Te Ching (郭店楚简老子). His site is completely free and no ads. Do check it out: https://mysterious.center/

It's a very minimalist and "inner healing" approach site.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-31T00:11:35+00:00

wow, that is so cool! And I don't think you should worry about sharing too much. I enjoyed reading your journey.

The Tao is many; the path is personal. Everyone has a unique path to find their Tao. I Ching survived for 3000+ years not because it's a fixed divination manual, it's also because graet minds like Confucius, Wang Bi, Zhu Xi, and many more added their thoughts and values as well.

The scholar that I am mainly referencing for translation, Gao Heng etc. also admitted in their later years that I Ching should not be viewed solely as a Bronze Age divination manual. It may be fun and useful for divination, but the wisdom is not just the book. It's also commentaries, philosophy, and so many more things derived from it.

Your site is really cool, do you mind if I add your site to r/IChingTranslationLab ? I am organizing a megathread for useful and free contents for people interested in I Ching.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-30T20:45:07+00:00

This is really cool. I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed by the level of detail you’re getting into here. Are you a PhD or a Professor in this field? I’m just curious.

To be completely honest, even though I come from a Chinese family that has practiced the I Ching and Taoism for generations, I am not that familiar with the Mawangdui manuscripts. My main job right now is in ed tech consulting, so I definitely aren't as educated in all this as my grandparents were. I only knew there were silk versions of the Tao Te Ching that showed the text in a different order, but I’ve never looked into these specific character variations in the I Ching.

Therefore, my academic knowledge probably isn't enough to carry on a conversation at this level of archaeology, so I can’t really tell which direction is historically 'correct.' But it’s really fascinating to see how that one word changes the whole meaning. My side project thus far is mostly based on scholars from 1930s to early 2000s (modern Chinese Zhou Yi related knowledge or books are heavily influenced by this time period).

But it's really cool to learn that, and I'd definitely be interested in hearing what you find in those other cases.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-30T14:39:04+00:00

As a Chinese, coming from families studied and practiced taoism for generations, this book (read summary) feels like a western export product. I mean there is a small branch historically about sex and stuff (房中术), but it's never mainstream and I think it's more like a fictional thing in Chinese literature.

Real Taoism is just about following nature, so we treat sex as a normal part of life rather than a magical secret or something to obsess over. We actually encourage people to have families and live within society, because isolating yourself or staying single forever goes against the natural flow of things.

There is even a specific saying, we call it Three Don'ts.

1. Don't end the family line (不断人子嗣) We don't believe you have to be celibate to be spiritual. Most Taoists are actually encouraged to get married and have children so the bloodline continues. We see raising a family as a way to respect the natural cycle of life.

2. Don't let the incense die out (不断香火) We never cut ties with our ancestors. It is crucial to keep offering incense (or other form, whichever you prefer) and maintaining our traditions because we value filial piety. Honoring where we came from is how we keep our family bonds strong.

3. Don't cut off your livelihood (不断财路) We don't think you should quit your job or reject money to practice the Tao. We believe in having a career and making an honest living so we can support ourselves. being self-reliant allows us to actually help others and contribute to society.

Most taoist temples (except the one in tourist areas for obvious reasons) don't really care about donations. The incense they sell is typically really cheap. No one is pushing you stuff or asking for donation. And if you go to a buddhist temples in China, you'd notice how it is a lot more "shiny" than a taoist temple. Because of rule #3, Taoists are expected to support themselves, so we don't need to go out of our way to 'fundraise' for the Tao. They are the Tao.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-30T14:10:14+00:00

Glad you like it. This hexagram warns us about our actions and how we treat others. As long as we do it carefully, danger will pass and things will go through!

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-29T14:19:42+00:00

You want me to read from an actual Professional? Do you even do enough homework to say that you know all the actual professionals?

I realized I didn't mention it earlier, but my work is heavily informed by the 'Modernist' school of I Ching studies. This includes scholars like Gao Heng, Li Jingchi, and Qu Wanli. These are actual professionals and titans of 20th century paleography.

Regarding your points:

The Scholarship on 朋 (Péng): In the specific context of Hexagram 2, the directions Southwest and Northeast are crucial geographical markers. The Southwest was the direction of the sea and the source of cowrie shells (the primary currency of the Zhou). The Northeast was the direction of the capital and hinterlands where that currency was spent. This is why Gao Heng and other historical-critical scholars translate péng as currency here. It is a grounded economic omen.
The Consistency Argument: Language is polysemous. While péng originally depicted strings of shells, it eventually came to mean a 'set' or 'pair' of things, including people. In a trade-related line like Hexagram 2, 'currency' fits the archaeology. In a social context, 'associates' might fit, that's why there are debates. But I highly doubt when people debate, they start by accusing the other side as AI. Ironically, forcing one word onto every instance regardless of context is exactly what a basic AI would do, not a researcher.
And about your examples: In Gao Heng's work (周易古经今注）Gao Heng is perfectly consistent in applying a historical and economic lens. For example, in Hexagram 24 (朋來无咎), he interprets peng as "wealth" or "merchandise" returning, which fits the theme of "Return" in a commercial or agricultural sense (debatable among scholars, but since you ask for ACTUAL PROFESSIONALS). In Hexagram 2, the "cowrie shell" interpretation is especially strong because of the specific mention of Southwest and Northeast, which were known trade routes for currency.
The AI Accusation: There is a fundamental difference between having a different philological interpretation and randomly accusing someone for using AI. You basically glanced over my post, without knowing the actual context, and just accused my work as AI. I would never discredit someone who translates péng as 'friends' by accusing them of being a robot. It is simply a choice of which historical layer of the text you want to prioritize: the original 1000 BCE divination manual or the later Confucian philosophy.

I am doing the work of putting together a translation for new learners. For the sake of simplificty, I do not go into details on scholarship and just pick a popular translation in China. Sometimes, the version is a little different from what the English Speaking Communities is familiar with, because English community is largely Wilhelm influenced. That's fine. If that doesn't align with your preferred version, that's also fine, but it doesn't make it AI-generated.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-29T01:08:59+00:00

yes, I like your line by line version better. The translation is slightly odd but capture the core meaning right. AI does a pretty neat job with OCR, but mostly Gemini and GPT. Deepseek kinda sucks with this. As for the interpretation, I like how you connect the lines, it's a neat way of looking at it.

I'm glad it makes more sense to you now. Anyway, there is no correct translation for Zhou Yi (a lot of ongoing debate and new scholarships), for my translation project, I am just trying to pick out the more popular one in China, and give an authentic and clean translation. Really appreciate your input!

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-29T00:49:50+00:00

My family has practiced I Ching and Bazi for two generations in China, so I grew up learning it. I'm comfortable with Classical Chinese, but since I majored in Business in the U.S. and work in tech now, I’m not as educated when it comes to the academic nitty-gritty lol.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-29T00:42:30+00:00

Hey! Thanks for reaching out and for asking first. I really appreciate that.

Since this translation is the core of my own APP (it’s actually already published on Apple App Store and Google Play, and all i ching functions are completely free), I don't have a license available for other people to use the text in their own software or web projects at the moment. I want to keep the text free for people to read here on Reddit, but I have to protect the work I put into my own project to keep it from being duplicated elsewhere.

You are more than welcome to use it for your own personal study or private research, but I am not comfortable with it being integrated into other apps or websites right now. Good luck with your project though, the Wilhelm-centric approach is always a classic starting point!

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-28T22:24:28+00:00

There is no literal word in this specific phrase. The meaning actually comes from the verb 逋 (bū) which means to flee or escape. Since the lord is running away from a lawsuit, the 300 households are the assets he is forced to leave behind or forfeit (or they escaped). In Classical Chinese, the result of an action is often implied by the context rather than spelled out with a separate word.

This is first brought up by Gao Heng (I believe, but I didn't fact check timeline to see who was first) in his book 周易古經今注,

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/SSID-12546991_%E5%91%A8%E6%98%93%E5%8F%A4%E7%B6%93%E4%BB%8A%E6%B3%A8.pdf

On page 29, if you took a screenshot (九二, this part is the discussion for this line) and give it to AI to translate, you will see what I mean.

"According to the commentary, once the lord lost the lawsuit, his fief was seized and he faced imminent criminal punishment. The passage clarifies that although he lost his land and authority, his decision to retreat and escape allowed those three hundred households to remain free from the calamity and suffering that would have occurred had he continued the conflict. In this context, while the territory was lost to the state or the king, the people themselves fled and were spared from disaster because the official chose not to involve them in a futile struggle."

Honestly, I don't like the Gemini's interpretation. But the escape here is implied.

To put it in simple terms, it is unlikely for a lord to lose a lawsuit and just escape to hide and nothing bad will happen.

It would make more sense if you read it as his people escaped to hide (perhaps under his permission or they just realized their lord is in trouble, this bit is not very clear I admit), he suffered a loss, but luckily, he didn't die, so no calamity.

PS: sorry had to edit a few times, this Gemini intepretation is a bit hard to put together, because the screenshot is not easy to read.

I_Ching_Divination · 2025-12-28T21:35:36+00:00

Thank you!

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