I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 26 with Changing Lines 1, 3 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 26.1.3 -> 4
26. The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Chù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 26
Hexagram 大畜 (Dà Chù) represents the power of restraint and control over great forces. This hexagram speaks of holding back powerful forces for the right time. Success comes from patience, wisdom, and self-control.
Hexagram 26 Judgment
"大畜,利貞。不家食,吉。利涉大川。"
(Dà chù, lì zhēn. Bù jiā shí, jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
“The Taming Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable not to eat at home. It is favorable to cross the great water.”
This hexagram advises perseverance and restraint. It is not a time for indulgence, but rather for preparation and control. Success comes from being patient and waiting for the right moment to act.
Hexagram 26 Image
"天在山中,大畜。君子以多識前言往行,以畜其德。"
(Tiān zài shān zhōng, dà chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ duō shí qián yán wǎng xíng, yǐ chù qí dé.)
“Heaven within the mountain: The image of The Taming Power of the Great. The superior person studies the words and deeds of the past to strengthen their character.”
The image of heaven within the mountain suggests that great power is being restrained and controlled. The superior person uses this time to reflect on past wisdom and experience, cultivating their inner strength.
Line 1 Changing
"有厲,利已。"
(Yǒu lì, lì yǐ.)
“Danger threatens. It is favorable to remain still.”
This line advises caution in the face of potential danger. By staying still and not acting rashly, one avoids harm. Patience and restraint bring safety.
Line 3 Changing
"良馬逐,利艱貞。曰閑輿衛,利有攸往。"
(Liáng mǎ zhú, lì jiān zhēn. Yuē xián yú wèi, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Good horses are chasing. Perseverance brings success in difficult times. There is talk of harnessing the wagon. It is favorable to have a destination.”
This line describes a situation of chasing after something of value. Success comes through perseverance in difficult circumstances. It is a time to harness resources and move forward carefully, but with a clear goal in mind.
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
"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.)
“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
"山下出泉,蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
“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