I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 35 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 35.2.4 -> 4
35. Progress (晉 Jìn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 35
Hexagram 晉 (Jìn) represents progress and advancement. This hexagram speaks of a time of rapid movement and development, fueled by enthusiasm and the support of others. Success comes from steady, forward motion and remaining adaptable.
Hexagram 35 Judgment
"晉，康侯用錫馬蕃庶，晝日三接。"
(Jìn, kāng hóu yòng xī mǎ fán shù, zhòu rì sān jiē.)
“Progress. The prince is honored with horses in large numbers. He is granted audience three times in one day.”
This hexagram describes a time of rapid progress, where great honors and opportunities come frequently. Success comes from maintaining this momentum and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Hexagram 35 Image
"明出地上，晉。君子以自昭明德。"
(Míng chū dì shàng, jìn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zì zhāo míng dé.)
“The sun rises above the earth: The image of Progress. The superior person illuminates their own virtue.”
The image of the sun rising represents progress and growth. The superior person uses this time to bring clarity and illumination to their virtues, spreading light and understanding to others.
Line 2 Changing
"晉如，愁如，貞吉。受茲介福于其王母。"
(Jìn rú, chóu rú, zhēn jí. Shòu zī jiè fú yú qí wáng mǔ.)
“Advancing with sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Receiving a great blessing from the queen mother.”
This line describes progress that is accompanied by sorrow or difficulty, but perseverance leads to blessings. A great reward or support comes from a higher power, symbolized by the queen mother.
Line 4 Changing
"晉如鼫鼠，貞厲。"
(Jìn rú shí shǔ, zhēn lì.)
“Advancing like a rat. Perseverance brings danger.”
This line warns against advancing in a sneaky or underhanded way, like a rat. Although perseverance is advised, acting in a less-than-honorable manner brings danger. It advises caution in how one moves forward.
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