I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 4 with Changing Lines 5 to Hexagram 59
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 4.5 -> 59
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 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:
59. Dispersion (渙 Huàn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 59
Hexagram 渙 (Huàn) represents dispersion or dissolution, symbolizing the scattering of obstacles or rigid structures. This hexagram speaks of a time when rigidity and blockages are being dissolved, allowing for movement and renewal. Success comes from breaking down barriers and freeing up resources.
Hexagram 59 Judgment
"渙，亨。王假有廟，利涉大川，利貞。"
(Huàn, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)
“Dispersion. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises breaking down obstacles and removing barriers to progress. By dispersing rigid structures or habits, success follows. It is favorable to take bold actions, symbolized by crossing the great river, but perseverance is essential.
Hexagram 59 Image
"風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。"
(Fēng xíng shuǐ shàng, huàn. Xiān wáng yǐ xiǎng yú dì lì miào.)
“Wind moves over the water: The image of Dispersion. The ancient kings offered sacrifices to heaven and built temples.”
The image of wind moving over water represents the power to dissolve obstacles and create movement. The superior person, like the ancient kings, makes offerings and creates structures to channel this energy toward positive outcomes.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team