I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 49 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 23

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.1.3.4.5.6 -> 23

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"征凶,貞厲,革言三就,有孚。"
(Zhēng xiōng, zhēn lì, gé yán sān jiù, yǒu fú.)
English Translation:
“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

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:

23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 23

Hexagram 剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Hexagram 23 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"剝,不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything.”

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Hexagram 23 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山附於地,剝。上以厚下,安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)
English Translation:
“The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling.”

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team