I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 49 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 18

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.1.2.4.5.6 -> 18

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

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"革,己日乃孚。元亨,利貞,悔亡。"
(Gé, jǐ rì nǎi fú. Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, huǐ wáng.)
English Translation:
“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

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"澤中有火,革。君子以治曆明時。"
(Zé zhōng yǒu huǒ, gé. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì lì míng shí.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鞏用黃牛之革。"
(Gǒng yòng huáng niú zhī gé.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"己日乃革之,征吉,无咎。"
(Jǐ rì nǎi gé zhī, zhēng jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡,有孚改命,吉。"
(Huǐ wáng, yǒu fú gǎi mìng, jí.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"大人虎變,未占有孚。"
(Dàrén hǔ biàn, wèi zhān yǒu fú.)
English Translation:
“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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 18

Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.

Hexagram 18 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蠱,元亨,利涉大川。先甲三日,後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
English Translation:
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”

This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.

Hexagram 18 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行山上,蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”

The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team