Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

Immaturity becomes Gradual Progress

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A tree takes root on the mountain: the second, third and fifth lines move, and the uncertain beginnings of 4 Immaturity become slow, rooted growth. With three lines changing, the reading weighs both judgments evenly. 4 Immaturity tells you plainly that you lack the maturity your aim needs, and points you toward humble questions, wise counsel and steady practice.

The resulting hexagram, 53 Gradual Progress, adds the timetable: progress comes step by step, through stages that make it stable. Rushing tends to cause delays and obstacles. Read together, these judgments describe a real apprenticeship. You'll get where you're going, but by learning each stage properly. Watch for the urge to skip ahead because someone else seems faster. Keep asking, keep practicing, and climb one rung at a time. Growth that's earned slowly holds.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 4 Immaturity

    Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.

    Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. Constancy is favorable.

  2. The judgment of 53 Gradual Progress

    You'll make progress, and it will come step by step, gradually, through stages that make it lasting and stable. Trying to speed things up will bring delays and obstacles. Keep at it, one rung at a time.

    The woman goes to be married: good fortune. Constancy is favorable.

  3. Line 2 of 4 Immaturity

    It's time to cultivate yourself inwardly; then your worth will show on the outside.

    Embracing the ignorant: good fortune. Taking a wife: good fortune. The son can hold up the house.

  4. Line 3 of 4 Immaturity

    To get what you want, don't submit to strong personalities who belittle you.

    Do not take this woman: at the sight of a man of gold, she is no longer her own. Nothing is favorable.

  5. Line 5 of 4 Immaturity

    If you recognize your lack of knowledge in the area of your question and seek advice, you'll get good results.

    A child's ignorance. Good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Water Mountain
Above Mountain Wind

The way back

53 Gradual Progress → 4 Immaturity
lines 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Immaturity

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins