I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 16 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 16.2.4.6 -> 4

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

16. Enthusiasm

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

4. Youthful Folly

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豫，利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鸣豫，吉。"
(Míng yù, jí.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiasm that is proclaimed brings good fortune.”

This line speaks of the right time to share one's enthusiasm with others. When the time is right, expressing enthusiasm openly can inspire others and lead to success. Collective joy and energy bring good fortune.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"由豫，大有得，勿疑。朋盍簪。"
(Yóu yù, dà yǒu dé, wù yí. Péng hé zān.)
English Translation:
“Proceeding with enthusiasm brings great gains. Do not doubt. Friends gather around like hairpins.”

This line speaks of the benefits of acting with confidence and enthusiasm. By moving forward without doubt, great gains are achieved, and allies naturally gather around to support the effort.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"冥豫，成有渝，无咎。"
(Míng yù, chéng yǒu yú, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Blind enthusiasm. Yet success leads to change. No blame.”

This line speaks of enthusiasm that is initially blind or misdirected but still leads to success. Though the approach may be flawed, the outcome brings positive change, and there is no blame. It suggests that even imperfect efforts can lead to good results.

Changing to:

4. Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 4

Hexagram 蒙 (Méng) represents youthful folly, the state of ignorance and inexperience. It symbolizes the early stages of development when one lacks knowledge or wisdom and requires guidance. Youthful Folly encourages learning, seeking instruction, and being open to correction in order to grow and mature.

Hexagram 4 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"发蒙，利用刑人，用说桎梏，以往吝。"
(Fā méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù, yǐ wǎng lìn.)
English Translation:
“Youthful folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool, but the young fool who seeks me. At the first oracle, I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.”

Youthful folly represents a lack of knowledge and understanding, which can only be overcome through learning. The judgment advises that one should seek wisdom rather than passively wait for it. At the same time, if someone repeatedly asks the same question without making an effort to learn, their behavior is considered importunate, and they will not receive further instruction. Success comes through the sincere pursuit of knowledge and perseverance.

Hexagram 4 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下出泉，蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
English Translation:
“A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youthful Folly. The superior person fosters character by thoroughly carrying out his or her resolve.”

The image of a spring beneath the mountain suggests that wisdom and clarity are hidden beneath the surface, much like how a youth must grow and develop in character before wisdom can emerge. The superior person fosters their development by persistently acting on their resolve, committing to a path of learning and self-improvement.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team