I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 60 with Changing Lines 1, 5, 6 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 60.1.5.6 -> 4

60. Limitation (節 Jié)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 60

Hexagram 節 (Jié) represents limitation or regulation, symbolizing the importance of setting boundaries and knowing one's limits. This hexagram speaks of the value of restraint and self-discipline. Success comes from moderation and controlling one's desires.

Hexagram 60 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"節,亨。苦節,不可貞。"
(Jié, hēng. Kǔ jié, bù kě zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Limitation. Success. Bitter limitation cannot be persevered in.”

This hexagram advises setting appropriate limits and exercising restraint, but warns against harsh or overly restrictive limitations. Success comes from moderation and flexibility, not from excessive control.

Hexagram 60 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤上有水,節。君子以制數度,議德行。"
(Zé shàng yǒu shuǐ, jié. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì shù dù, yì dé xíng.)
English Translation:
“Water over the lake: The image of Limitation. The superior person establishes measures and limits and discusses virtue and conduct.”

The image of water over the lake represents the need to contain and regulate resources. The superior person, like the lake, sets clear boundaries and guidelines, ensuring that everything is kept in balance. Success comes from clear regulations and virtuous conduct.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不出戶庭,无咎。"
(Bù chū hù tíng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Not going out of the gate and courtyard. No blame.”

This line advises staying within established boundaries and not overstepping one's limits. By exercising restraint and self-discipline, one avoids mistakes or misfortune.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"甘節,吉。往有尚。"
(Gān jié, jí. Wǎng yǒu shàng.)
English Translation:
“Sweet limitation. Good fortune. Going forward brings honor.”

This line describes a situation where limitations are not seen as restrictive but as beneficial, leading to good fortune. By respecting boundaries and acting with discipline, one gains honor and success.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"苦節,貞凶,悔亡。"
(Kǔ jié, zhēn xiōng, huǐ wáng.)
English Translation:
“Bitter limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Regret disappears.”

This line warns against overly harsh or rigid limitations, which lead to misfortune. However, once the rigid approach is abandoned, regret disappears. It advises finding a balance between discipline and flexibility.

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