革
GéUpper: Marsh · 兑 · Lower: Fire · 离
Judgment已日乃孚，元亨。利贞。悔亡。
In plain wordsOn the day it has been completed, it is trusted; great success, it favors staying on the right course, and regret disappears. Reform needs ripe timing, trust and the right way, and then there is nothing to regret.
The imageLake above, fire below: fire in the lake, water and fire opposing each other, so the old state cannot continue and must be changed.
A hint for youBefore changing things, communicate and prepare, and let others see your sincerity. Changing in time is more important than changing fast.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九巩用黄牛之革。The first line, undivided, shows its subject (as if he were) bound with the skin of a yellow ox.
- 六二已日乃革之，征吉，无咎。The second line, divided, shows its subject making his changes after some time has passed. Action taken will be fortunate. There will be no error.
- 九三征凶，贞厉，革言三就，有孚。The third line, undivided, shows that action taken by its subject will be evil. Though he be firm and correct, his position is perilous. If the change (he contemplates) have been three times fully discussed, he will be believed in.
- 九四悔亡，有孚改命，吉。The fourth line, undivided, shows occasion for repentance disappearing (from its subject). Let him be believed in; and though he change (existing) ordinances, there will be good fortune.
- 九五大人虎变，未占有孚。The fifth line, undivided, shows the great man (producing his changes) as the tiger (does when he) changes (his stripes). Before he divines (and proceeds to action), faith has been reposed in him.
- 上六君子豹变，小人革面，征凶，居贞吉。The sixth line, divided, shows the superior man producing his changes as the leopard (does when he) changes (his spots), while small men change their faces (and show their obedience). To go forward (now) would lead to evil, but there will be good fortune in abiding firm and correct.
Change; the time is ripe
For entertainment and self-reflection only