I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 49 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.1.2.3.4.5.6 -> 4
49. Revolution (革 Gé)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Dùi (Lake)
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 49
Hexagram 革 (Gé) represents revolution or transformation. This hexagram speaks of a time when radical change is necessary to achieve progress. Success comes from carefully timing and executing the transformation with proper support and preparation.
Hexagram 49 Judgment
"革,己日乃孚。元亨,利貞,悔亡。"
(Gé, jǐ rì nǎi fú. Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, huǐ wáng.)
“Revolution. On your own day, you are believed. Supreme success. Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears.”
This hexagram advises a time of transformation, where change is necessary for progress. Success comes from careful planning and executing the change at the right time. By remaining persistent and committed, any regrets or doubts will fade away.
Hexagram 49 Image
"澤中有火,革。君子以治曆明時。"
(Zé zhōng yǒu huǒ, gé. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì lì míng shí.)
“Fire in the lake: The image of Revolution. The superior person sets the calendar and makes the seasons clear.”
The image of fire in the lake symbolizes the potential for transformation that lies within a stable situation. The superior person, like the fire in the lake, knows when it is time for change and sets the right timing for transformation, ensuring progress.
Line 1 Changing
"鞏用黃牛之革。"
(Gǒng yòng huáng niú zhī gé.)
“Tying the yellow cowhide for strength.”
This line describes preparing for change by strengthening one’s position, symbolized by the yellow cowhide. It advises reinforcing one's foundations before attempting a transformation.
Line 2 Changing
"己日乃革之,征吉,无咎。"
(Jǐ rì nǎi gé zhī, zhēng jí, wú jiù.)
“On your own day, the change is made. Going forward brings good fortune. No blame.”
This line emphasizes the importance of proper timing. The transformation must happen on 'your own day'—the right time for you. When the timing is correct, moving forward brings good fortune, and there is no blame.
Line 3 Changing
"征凶,貞厲,革言三就,有孚。"
(Zhēng xiōng, zhēn lì, gé yán sān jiù, yǒu fú.)
“Going forward brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. The change is spoken of three times, and then there is sincerity.”
This line warns of acting too hastily in making a change. It advises waiting for clarity and consensus (symbolized by the three discussions) before proceeding with sincerity. Patience ensures the transformation is successful.
Line 4 Changing
"悔亡,有孚改命,吉。"
(Huǐ wáng, yǒu fú gǎi mìng, jí.)
“Regret disappears. With sincerity, the mandate is changed. Good fortune.”
This line speaks of a successful transformation where old regrets fade away. By acting with sincerity, the mandate or authority is changed, bringing good fortune. It advises approaching change with integrity and care.
Line 5 Changing
"大人虎變,未占有孚。"
(Dàrén hǔ biàn, wèi zhān yǒu fú.)
“The great person changes like a tiger. Before consulting the oracle, there is already trust.”
This line describes a person of great influence who can effect change effortlessly, like a tiger changing its stripes. Their strength and integrity inspire trust, even before seeking confirmation or advice. It advises confident, bold action.
Line 6 Changing
"君子豹變,小人革面,征凶,居貞吉。"
(Jūn zǐ bào biàn, xiǎo rén gé miàn, zhēng xiōng, jū zhēn jí.)
“The superior person changes like a leopard. The inferior person changes their face. Going forward brings misfortune. Remaining firm brings good fortune.”
This line contrasts the true, natural change of the superior person (symbolized by the leopard’s spots) with the superficial change of the inferior person (changing their face). It warns against insincere or false transformations. Remaining firm in one’s values brings good fortune.
When All Lines are Changing
"用九,元吉。"
(Yòng jiǔ, yuán jí.)
“In the end, great good fortune.”
The final comment reinforces that through sincere and well-timed transformation, great good fortune is achieved. Success comes from knowing when and how to initiate change with integrity.
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