I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 64 with Changing Lines 4 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 64.4 -> 4
64. Before Completion (未濟 Wèi Jì)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 64
Hexagram 未濟 (Wèi Jì) represents the state before completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is nearly complete but not yet finished. This hexagram speaks of the importance of staying focused and patient as the final steps are taken. Success comes from careful attention and avoiding premature action.
Hexagram 64 Judgment
"未濟，亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。"
(Wèi jì, hēng. Xiǎo hú qì jì, rú qí wěi, wú yōu lì.)
“Before Completion. Success. The small fox nearly crosses the river but gets its tail wet. Nothing is favorable.”
This hexagram advises caution and patience as one nears the completion of a task. Like the small fox crossing the river, a lack of care in the final stages can lead to setbacks. It warns against premature action and advises paying close attention to detail.
Hexagram 64 Image
"火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。"
(Huǒ zài shuǐ shàng, wèi jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn biàn wù jū fāng.)
“Fire over water: The image of Before Completion. The superior person carefully distinguishes things and places them in their proper position.”
The image of fire over water represents the tension between opposing forces and the need for balance. The superior person, like the elements, carefully considers all factors and makes thoughtful decisions to ensure success.
Line 4 Changing
"貞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有賞于大國。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, zhèn yòng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián yǒu shǎng yú dà guó.)
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. The thunderous force is used to attack the Gui Fang. After three years, there is reward in the great kingdom.”
This line describes a long-term challenge or struggle that eventually brings success. Although the effort may take time, perseverance leads to good fortune and reward. It advises staying committed and patient.
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