I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 49 with Changing Lines 1, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.1.6 -> 33

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

49. Revolution

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

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 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:

33. Retreat (遯 Dùn)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 33

Hexagram 遯 (Dùn) symbolizes strategic retreat in the face of superior forces. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and conserve strength rather than continue fighting a losing battle. Success comes from prudence and waiting for better conditions.

Hexagram 33 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"遯，亨。小利貞。"
(Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Retreat. Success. Perseverance brings small gain.”

This hexagram advises a strategic retreat in the face of difficulties. Success comes from knowing when to pull back, rather than pushing forward in unfavorable conditions. Perseverance brings small but important gains.

Hexagram 33 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有山，遯。君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。"
(Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán.)
English Translation:
“The mountain stands beneath heaven: The image of Retreat. The superior person keeps distant from inferior people without hatred but maintains dignity.”

The image of the mountain under heaven suggests a time for standing firm and maintaining distance. The superior person knows when to withdraw from negative influences while remaining dignified and unresentful.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team