I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 45
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.2.4.5.6 -> 45
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 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.
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:
45. Gathering Together (萃 Cuì)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 45
Hexagram 萃 (Cuì) represents gathering together or assembling. This hexagram speaks of the strength and unity that come from collective efforts. Success comes from mutual support, working toward a common goal, and joining forces to overcome challenges.
Hexagram 45 Judgment
"萃,亨。王假有廟,利見大人,亨,利貞。"
(Cuì, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì jiàn dàrén, hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Gathering Together. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to meet the great person. Success. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises coming together for a common purpose. Success comes from collective efforts and seeking wise counsel. The image of the king approaching the temple symbolizes the importance of ritual, tradition, and collective harmony.
Hexagram 45 Image
"澤上于地,萃。君子以除戎器,戒不虞。"
(Zé shàng yú dì, cuì. Jūn zǐ yǐ chú róng qì, jiè bù yú.)
“The lake rises up to the earth: The image of Gathering Together. The superior person takes up weapons of war and guards against unexpected attacks.”
The image of the lake rising to the earth symbolizes unity and preparation. The superior person remains vigilant and prepared, guarding against unforeseen dangers, while fostering harmony and unity within the group.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team