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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 49.3.4 -> 3

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 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.

Changing to:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利贞,勿用有攸往,利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷,屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team