I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 6 to Hexagram 54
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.1.4.6 -> 54
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 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 6 Changing
"击蒙,不利为寇,利御寇。"
(Jī méng, bù lì wéi kòu, lì yù kòu.)
“Striking against youthful folly. It is not advantageous to take action like a bandit. It is favorable to defend against bandits.”
This line advises against reacting aggressively or forcefully to ignorance or youthful folly, which would be akin to acting like a bandit. Instead, it is more advantageous to defend against negative influences and guide others with patience. The best way to overcome youthful folly is through guidance, not force.
Changing to:
54. The Marrying Maiden (歸妹 Guī Mèi)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 54
Hexagram 歸妹 (Guī Mèi) represents the marrying maiden, symbolizing the secondary role and the idea of following established protocols. This hexagram speaks of relationships where one may not have full autonomy, requiring adaptation. Success comes from understanding one's position and accepting supportive roles.
Hexagram 54 Judgment
"歸妹,征凶,无攸利。"
(Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì.)
“The Marrying Maiden. Going forward brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.”
This hexagram advises caution in advancing into a situation where one lacks full authority or power, as misfortune may follow. It speaks of accepting limitations and adapting to circumstances without overreaching.
Hexagram 54 Image
"澤上有雷,歸妹。君子以永終知敝。"
(Zé shàng yǒu léi, guī mèi. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǒng zhōng zhī bì.)
“Thunder over the lake: The image of The Marrying Maiden. The superior person is careful about endings and recognizes the imperfection of things.”
The image of thunder over the lake symbolizes a situation of imbalance, where one must adapt to changing conditions. The superior person understands that all things are temporary and imperfect, leading to wisdom and balance.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team