On this page
Meaning and Context
When an I Ching reading contains moving lines (old Yang or old Yin), those lines transform. The resulting hexagram after this transformation is called the changed hexagram.
- Also called: Bian Gua (变卦), resulting hexagram, future hexagram
- Created by: Flipping all moving lines to their opposite (Yang↔Yin)
- Represents: The outcome, future state, or direction of development
- Relationship: Paired with the primary hexagram for complete interpretation
Key concept
If the primary hexagram is "where you are," the changed hexagram is "where you are going." Together they tell the story of your situation.
Classical Roots
The Xici describes the nature of change:
From Yijing · Xici
「变动不居，周流六虚。」
Plain translation
"Change and movement do not rest in one place; they circulate through the six positions." The changed hexagram captures where this flow is leading.
The Plum Blossom method clarifies the relationship:
From Meihua Yishu
「用卦为事之终，体卦为事之始。」
Plain translation
"The function hexagram (changed) represents the conclusion of the matter; the body hexagram (primary) represents its beginning."
How It Is Formed
The changed hexagram is formed by a simple transformation:
- Identify all moving lines in the primary hexagram
- Old Yang lines (9) become Yin lines (– –)
- Old Yin lines (6) become Yang lines (—)
- Young/stable lines remain unchanged
- The result is the changed hexagram
For example, if hexagram 1 (Qian, all Yang) has all six lines moving, it transforms into hexagram 2 (Kun, all Yin).
How to Read It
Interpreting the changed hexagram:
- First understand the primary hexagram thoroughly
- Identify which hexagram results after transformation
- Read the changed hexagram's judgment and image
- Consider how the meaning shifts from primary to changed
- The changed hexagram shows outcome, not additional advice to apply now
Important distinction
You typically read the line texts from the PRIMARY hexagram (for moving lines), not the changed hexagram. The changed hexagram's judgment describes the destination.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Changed hexagram displayed alongside the primary hexagram
- Visual arrow or transition showing the transformation
- Changed hexagram judgment provided for the outcome
- Clear indication of which lines changed
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about the changed hexagram:
- Reading the changed hexagram's line texts—generally you read line texts from the primary hexagram
- Treating the changed hexagram as advice for now—it describes the outcome, not current action
- Ignoring the changed hexagram when moving lines are present
- Assuming the transformation is instant—it may describe a gradual shift
Sources and Quotes
FAQ
What if my reading has no changed hexagram?
+
No changed hexagram means no moving lines were cast. This indicates a stable situation—the energy is not actively transforming. The primary hexagram alone describes your circumstances.
This is neither good nor bad; it simply means the situation is currently in a state of equilibrium.
Can the changed hexagram be the same as the primary?
+
No. If any lines are moving, at least one line will change, producing a different hexagram. If no lines are moving, there is no changed hexagram at all.
The only way to "return" to the same hexagram would be if all six lines moved and then moved again in a subsequent casting—but that would be a new reading.