I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 37

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.2.3.5 -> 37

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.

Line 1 Changing

This line 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:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"包蒙吉。纳妇吉。子克家。"
(Bāo méng jí. Nà fù jí. Zǐ kè jiā.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"童蒙吉。"
(Tóng méng jí.)
English Translation:
“Youthful folly brings good fortune.”

This line suggests that being young and inexperienced is not inherently negative, as it offers opportunities for growth and learning. Through the process of overcoming youthful folly, one can achieve success and good fortune. It is a reminder that ignorance is the starting point for wisdom.

Changing to:

37. The Family (家人 Jiā Rén)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 37

Hexagram 家人 (Jiā Rén) symbolizes the structure and harmony of the family. This hexagram speaks of order, mutual care, and proper relationships within the family unit. Success comes from cultivating harmony and fulfilling responsibilities.

Hexagram 37 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"家人,利女貞。"
(Jiā rén, lì nǚ zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Family. It is favorable for the woman to persevere.”

This hexagram emphasizes the importance of harmony and order in the family, with a particular focus on the role of the woman in maintaining the household. Success comes from fulfilling responsibilities and persevering in one's duties.

Hexagram 37 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風自火出,家人。君子以言有物,行有恆。"
(Fēng zì huǒ chū, jiā rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng.)
English Translation:
“Wind comes forth from fire: The image of The Family. The superior person speaks with substance and acts with consistency.”

The image of wind coming forth from fire represents the dynamic energy of the family. The superior person, like a family leader, speaks and acts with consistency, ensuring harmony and order within the household.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team