I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 30
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.2.3.4 -> 30
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.
Line 1 Changing
"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.)
“To enlighten youthful folly, it is beneficial to use punishment. Release shackles and manacles. Going forward leads to regret.”
This line indicates that sometimes, in order to correct ignorance or youthful folly, firm discipline or punishment may be necessary. However, it also advises that once the lesson is learned and the restrictions removed, one must proceed cautiously, as further missteps could lead to regret.
Line 2 Changing
"包蒙吉。纳妇吉。子克家。"
(Bāo méng jí. Nà fù jí. Zǐ kè jiā.)
“Embracing youthful folly brings good fortune. Accepting a wife brings good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household.”
This line emphasizes that acknowledging and accepting the presence of youthful ignorance is the first step toward growth and learning. In family terms, taking a wife and establishing a household symbolizes stability and the ability to manage responsibilities. The idea is that through acceptance of one's limitations and learning from them, one can grow into a responsible leader.
Line 3 Changing
"勿用取女,见金夫,不有躬,无攸利。"
(Wù yòng qǔ nǚ, jiàn jīn fū, bù yǒu gōng, wú yōu lì.)
“Do not marry a maiden who displays the folly of youth. She sees a rich man and does not have a firm character. Nothing is favorable.”
This line warns against entering into commitments with someone who is still immature or driven by superficial desires. The image of the maiden desiring a rich man symbolizes the folly of being attracted to wealth or status without developing inner character. Success in relationships and endeavors requires maturity and integrity.
Line 4 Changing
"困蒙,吝。"
(Kùn méng, lìn.)
“Entangled in youthful folly, one faces difficulty and regret.”
This line describes a situation where ignorance or inexperience leads to being trapped in difficult circumstances. The entanglement of youthful folly causes missteps that bring about regret. It suggests that without proper guidance or self-awareness, one risks getting stuck in errors.
Changing to:
30. The Clinging, Fire (離 Lí)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 30
Hexagram 離 (Lí) symbolizes fire, which clings to the wood that fuels it. This hexagram speaks of dependence and clarity, as fire illuminates and requires a source of energy. Success comes from clear vision and the ability to adapt and depend on the right things.
Hexagram 30 Judgment
"利貞,亨。畜牝牛,吉。"
(Lì zhēn, hēng. Xù pìn niú, jí.)
“Perseverance furthers. Success. Cultivating a cow brings good fortune.”
This hexagram advises clarity and perseverance. Success comes from cultivating something stable and dependable, like a cow. By tending to one's responsibilities and maintaining clear vision, good fortune is assured.
Hexagram 30 Image
"明兩作,離。大人以繼明照四方。"
(Míng liǎng zuò, lí. Dà rén yǐ jì míng zhào sì fāng.)
“Fire above and fire below: The image of The Clinging, Fire. The superior person continues the light of clarity to illuminate the four corners of the world.”
The image of fire reflects the need for clarity and illumination. The superior person spreads understanding and insight, ensuring that light and truth reach all corners of the world. It is a time to bring clarity to situations.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team