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Chapter 11 of 24
Bu Shi Zheng Zong — Orthodox Divination
Overall Paraphrased Meaning
Is there a difference in the severity of the danger in a Fan Yin (opposition and repetition) hexagram? Whenever a Fan Yin hexagram is obtained, if the Yong Shen (the hexagram line representing the subject of inquiry) is not transformed into a clash or subdued, the matter may experience fluctuations but will ultimately succeed. However, if the Yong Shen is transformed into a clash or subdued, all plans will face great danger.
Divination Subject: Inquiring about accompanying an official to assume a new post.
Hexagram: Kun Earth Hexagram, Void Period: Xu and Hai.
Interpretation Translation: The Self Line is in the Mao Wood position (representing oneself) and transforms into You Metal, clashing and subduing it. This is an inner hexagram Fan Yin (internal lines repeating and opposing). This journey is inauspicious, and it is better not to go. Later, the official drew lots and obtained a post near a bandit camp, so the person declined to go. After the official left, the person ended up going for other reasons. In July, the city fell, and the person was killed alongside the official. The reason for being killed alongside the official is that both the Self Line and the Official Line were subdued by the You Metal clash. Not going but eventually going is due to the inner hexagram Fan Yin causing repetition.
Modern Scenario Application Suggestions:
Divination Subject: Inquiring about promotion.
Hexagram: Kun Earth Hexagram, Void Period: Shen and You.
Interpretation Translation: The Self Line is in the Mao Wood position, supported by the Monthly Build. The Official Star (representing official position) gains growth from the Daily Cycle. Both the Self Line and the Official Star are in a prosperous position, indicating a successful promotion. Indeed, within the month, news came of a promotion from Jiangxi to Shandong. In less than a year, the person returned to Jiangxi. This is an outer hexagram Fan Yin (external lines repeating and opposing), resulting in leaving and returning.
Modern Scenario Application Suggestions:
Divination Subject: Inquiring about the sister-in-law’s recurring illness and its outcome.
Hexagram: Qian Metal Hexagram, Void Period: Zi and Chou, missing the Brother Line.
Interpretation Translation: The outer hexagram Gen transforms into Kun, indicating hexagram Fan Yin, clearly showing recovery followed by relapse. However, it is unfavorable that the Yong Shen (representing the sister-in-law) in the Yin Wood position transforms into You Metal, subduing it, and is entombed in the Wei month, with the Daily Cycle penalizing it. The illness became critical on the Shen day, as predicted.
Modern Scenario Application Suggestions:
Divination Subject: Inquiring about the profitability of selling goods at a previous location.
Hexagram: Xun Wood Hexagram, Void Period: Yin and Mao, missing the Official Line.
Interpretation Translation: Xiao Xu hexagram transforms into Qian hexagram, indicating hexagram Fan Yin. Fortunately, the Self Line and the Wealth Line gain growth from the Daily Cycle. The Response Line, representing the destination, is in the Wu Fire position, generating and harmonizing with it, resulting in doubled profits. Later, the person made three round trips, each time doubling the profit.
Modern Scenario Application Suggestions:
Divination Subject: Inquiring about a burial site.
Hexagram: Xun Wood Hexagram, Void Period: Wu and Wei.
Interpretation Translation: The Self Line represents the burial site, supported by the Monthly Build and generated by the Zi day, indicating an auspicious location. However, it is unfavorable that the lines transform into Fan Yin, and both the Offspring Line and the Self Line are subdued by clashes. Burial is not advisable. The person said, "I paid a high price long ago, and geomancy experts all praised it as an excellent site." Eventually, the burial took place. Within four years, two sons, one daughter, and the person himself passed away one after another.
Modern Scenario Application Suggestions:
The core of Fan Yin hexagrams lies in change and repetition. The outcome, whether auspicious or inauspicious, depends on the strength of the Yong Shen (key line). A strong Yong Shen leads to success despite fluctuations, while a weak Yong Shen exacerbates danger. This reflects the Yijing philosophy of "movement and change generate auspiciousness or inauspiciousness," emphasizing dynamic balance.
In contemporary contexts, Fan Yin can be analogized to uncertainties in life or work:
Fan Yin hexagrams explore adaptability and resilience on a deeper level: