I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 49 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 20

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.1.3.4.6 -> 20

Old Yin Young Yang Old Yang Old Yang Young Yin Old Yang

49. Revolution

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin

20. Contemplation

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 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:

20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 20

Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Hexagram 20 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Hexagram 20 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team