I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 63 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 63.1.2.3.5.6 -> 4

63. After Completion (既濟 Jì Jì)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 63

Hexagram 既濟 (Jì Jì) represents the state after completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is finished, but vigilance is still required. This hexagram speaks of the dangers that arise after success. Success comes from maintaining balance and being cautious, even after achieving goals.

Hexagram 63 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"既濟,亨小,利貞。初吉,終亂。"
(Jì jì, hēng xiǎo, lì zhēn. Chū jí, zhōng luàn.)
English Translation:
“After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning, good fortune. At the end, disorder.”

This hexagram advises caution after completing a task or achieving success. While small matters may still be successful, it is important to remain vigilant, as the end of a project can bring disorder if one becomes complacent.

Hexagram 63 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"水在火上,既濟。君子以思患而預防之。"
(Shuǐ zài huǒ shàng, jì jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī huàn ér yù fáng zhī.)
English Translation:
“Water over fire: The image of After Completion. The superior person considers danger and takes precautions.”

The image of water over fire symbolizes the balance between opposing forces. The superior person, like the elements, remains aware of potential dangers and takes preventive measures to avoid disaster.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"曳其輪,濡其尾,无咎。"
(Yè qí lún, rú qí wěi, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Dragging the wheels. Wetting the tail. No blame.”

This line speaks of a situation where progress is slowed or hindered, symbolized by dragging the wheels and wetting the tail. However, by remaining careful and cautious, there is no blame. It advises patience and avoiding rash actions.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"婦喪其髮,勿逐,七日得。"
(Fù sàng qí fà, wù zhú, qī rì dé.)
English Translation:
“The woman loses her hairpin. Do not pursue. In seven days, it is found.”

This line describes a temporary loss or setback, symbolized by the woman losing her hairpin. It advises not rushing to fix the situation, as the issue will resolve itself in time. Patience and trust lead to success.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"高宗伐鬼方,三年克之,小人勿用。"
(Gāo zōng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián kè zhī, xiǎo rén wù yòng.)
English Translation:
“King Gao Zong attacks the Gui Fang. After three years, he conquers them. Do not employ inferior people.”

This line describes a long struggle, symbolized by the three-year campaign, but eventual success is achieved. It advises remaining patient and diligent in long-term goals, but warns against relying on inferior or untrustworthy people.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"東鄰殺牛,不如西鄰之禴祭,實受其福。"
(Dōng lín shā niú, bù rú xī lín zhī yuè jì, shí shòu qí fú.)
English Translation:
“The neighbor in the east slaughters an ox. It does not compare to the neighbor in the west's simple sacrifice. The latter receives the blessing.”

This line advises that sincerity is more important than extravagance in offerings or efforts. The simpler, sincere approach brings greater success than the grand but superficial one. It advises focusing on substance over appearance.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"濡其首,厲。"
(Rú qí shǒu, lì.)
English Translation:
“Wetting the head. Danger.”

This line warns of overextending oneself or becoming too involved in a situation, symbolized by wetting the head. It advises pulling back and avoiding unnecessary risks, as pushing too far brings danger.

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