I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 35
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.2.4 -> 35
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.
Changing to:
35. Progress (晉 Jìn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 35
Hexagram 晉 (Jìn) represents progress and advancement. This hexagram speaks of a time of rapid movement and development, fueled by enthusiasm and the support of others. Success comes from steady, forward motion and remaining adaptable.
Hexagram 35 Judgment
"晉,康侯用錫馬蕃庶,晝日三接。"
(Jìn, kāng hóu yòng xī mǎ fán shù, zhòu rì sān jiē.)
“Progress. The prince is honored with horses in large numbers. He is granted audience three times in one day.”
This hexagram describes a time of rapid progress, where great honors and opportunities come frequently. Success comes from maintaining this momentum and taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Hexagram 35 Image
"明出地上,晉。君子以自昭明德。"
(Míng chū dì shàng, jìn. Jūn zǐ yǐ zì zhāo míng dé.)
“The sun rises above the earth: The image of Progress. The superior person illuminates their own virtue.”
The image of the sun rising represents progress and growth. The superior person uses this time to bring clarity and illumination to their virtues, spreading light and understanding to others.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team