I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 44 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 44.3.4.5 -> 4
44. Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 44
Hexagram 姤 (Gòu) represents an unexpected encounter or meeting. This hexagram speaks of sudden developments or the arrival of someone or something unexpected. Success comes from being prepared and handling the encounter with care.
Hexagram 44 Judgment
"姤,女壯,勿用取女。"
(Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ.)
“Coming to Meet. The woman is strong. Do not marry such a woman.”
This hexagram advises caution when dealing with unexpected encounters, especially if the situation involves a strong or dominant force. The reference to not marrying such a woman speaks to the need for careful consideration and not rushing into commitments.
Hexagram 44 Image
"天下有風,姤。後以施命誥四方。"
(Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sìfāng.)
“Wind beneath heaven: The image of Coming to Meet. The superior person announces their commands to the four corners of the world.”
The image of wind beneath heaven represents a message or announcement being carried far and wide. The superior person, like the wind, spreads their influence and communicates clearly with others.
Line 3 Changing
"臀无膚,其行次且,牽羊悔亡,聞言不信。"
(Tún wú fū, qí xíng cì qiě, qiān yáng huǐ wáng, wén yán bù xìn.)
“The buttocks have no flesh. One walks with difficulty. Pulling a sheep, regret disappears. Hearing words but not believing them.”
This line speaks of challenges and difficulties in moving forward, symbolized by the lack of flesh. By making the necessary effort and following advice, regret disappears. However, disbelief in good advice can prolong difficulties.
Line 4 Changing
"包無魚,起凶。"
(Bāo wú yú, qǐ xiōng.)
“The bag is empty. Misfortune rises.”
This line describes a situation where nothing is gained (the bag is empty). It warns that misfortune may arise if one acts without considering the risks or if expectations are too high. It advises caution in managing resources and expectations.
Line 5 Changing
"以杞包瓜,含章,有隕自天。"
(Yǐ qǐ bāo guā, hán zhāng, yǒu yǔn zì tiān.)
“Wrapping melons in willow leaves. Containing brilliance. There is a fall from heaven.”
This line describes containing something precious (symbolized by the melon) with something fragile (willow leaves). It speaks of great potential, but also the risk of loss or failure. It advises protecting what is valuable and being cautious of outside forces.
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
"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.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team