I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 2, 3 to Hexagram 52

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.2.3 -> 52

Young Yang Young Yin Young Yin Old Yin Old Yang Young Yin

4. Youthful Folly

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin Yin

52. Keeping Still

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 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.

Changing to:

52. Keeping Still (艮 Gèn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 52

Hexagram 艮 (Gèn) represents stillness and stability, like a mountain. This hexagram speaks of the importance of remaining calm and centered, even in the face of external pressures. Success comes from mastering self-control and inner peace.

Hexagram 52 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。"
(Gèn qí bèi, bù huò qí shēn, xíng qí tíng, bù jiàn qí rén, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still, restraining the back. One does not grasp oneself. Walking in the courtyard, one does not see others. No blame.”

This hexagram advises remaining calm and centered, restraining impulses and external distractions. By focusing on inner stillness, one avoids mistakes and remains clear-minded. Success comes from self-discipline and tranquility.

Hexagram 52 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"兼山，艮。君子以思不出其位。"
(Jiān shān, gèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī bù chū qí wèi.)
English Translation:
“Mountains standing still: The image of Keeping Still. The superior person does not allow their thoughts to go beyond their place.”

The image of mountains standing still symbolizes the importance of maintaining stability and not overreaching. The superior person remains grounded, controlling their thoughts and emotions, leading to success.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team