I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 25
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.2.4.5 -> 25
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 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.
Line 5 Changing
"童蒙吉。"
(Tóng méng jí.)
“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:
25. Innocence (無妄 Wú Wàng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 25
Hexagram 無妄 (Wú Wàng) symbolizes innocence or the absence of falsehood. This hexagram speaks of acting with sincerity, without ulterior motives, and maintaining a state of natural purity. Success comes from being genuine and spontaneous.
Hexagram 25 Judgment
"無妄,元亨,利貞。其匪正有眚,不利有攸往。"
(Wú wàng, yuán hēng, lì zhēn. Qí fěi zhèng yǒu shěng, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
“Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. If one is not as they should be, they have misfortune, and it is not favorable to undertake anything.”
This hexagram advises maintaining innocence and sincerity. Success comes from acting with integrity and without ulterior motives. However, if one strays from the right path, misfortune follows. It is important to be true to oneself.
Hexagram 25 Image
"天下雷行,物與无妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。"
(Tiān xià léi xíng, wù yǔ wú wàng. Xiān wáng yǐ mào duì shí yù wàn wù.)
“Thunder beneath heaven: The image of Innocence. The ancient kings nurtured and cared for all beings, responding to the seasons and bringing prosperity to all things.”
The image of thunder moving beneath heaven represents the power of natural forces. The superior person uses this time to nurture and care for others, aligning their actions with the natural rhythms of life. This brings prosperity and success.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team