I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 42 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 42.1.2.5 -> 4

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

42. Increase

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

4. Youthful Folly

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) represents increase, growth, or expansion. This hexagram speaks of a time when positive developments and opportunities for growth are present. Success comes from giving and sharing with others, which leads to mutual benefit and prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"益，利有攸往，利涉大川。"
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Increase. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This hexagram advises taking advantage of opportunities for growth. Moving forward with purpose and crossing challenges (symbolized by the great river) brings success. By being generous and sharing resources, one fosters mutual prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。"
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
“Wind and thunder: The image of Increase. The superior person sees good and moves toward it. If they see a mistake, they correct it.”

The image of wind and thunder represents dynamic energy and growth. The superior person uses this energy to recognize opportunities for improvement and correction. By moving toward what is good and correcting errors, one fosters growth and success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"利用為大作，元吉，無咎。"
(Lì yòng wéi dà zuò, yuán jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“It is beneficial to undertake something great. Great good fortune. No blame.”

This line advises taking on a significant endeavor, as it leads to great good fortune. There is no blame in aiming high or pursuing ambitious goals during this time of increase.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。"
(Huò yì zhī, shí péng zhī guī fú kè wéi, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“Someone increases it. A tortoise of ten friends cannot be opposed. Great good fortune.”

This line describes an unexpected gift or increase from others, which brings great good fortune. Like a tortoise, the increase is steady and cannot be opposed. It advises accepting help and gifts when they come.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚惠心，勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。"
(Yǒu fú huì xīn, wù wèn yuán jí. Yǒu fú huì wǒ dé.)
English Translation:
“Sincerity brings a generous heart. No need to ask; great good fortune comes. Sincerity benefits my virtue.”

This line advises that with sincerity and generosity, good fortune naturally follows. There is no need to ask for rewards—they come of their own accord. Sincerity strengthens virtue and leads to mutual benefit.

Changing to:

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team