I Ching · No.49 · Ko / Revolution (Molting)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Translation

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A time of change; act in accordance with the times.
• Wealth 财运: Excessive consumption; relocate to trade elsewhere.
• Household 家宅: Be careful of fire; an image of remarriage or changing wives.
• Health 身体: Kidney water is dried up, liver fire rises.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just like a place with water suddenly catching fire, this is an anomaly in fortunes. It is auspicious to change in accordance with the times.
• Warfare 战征: In the place where troops are stationed, guard against fires in valleys and forests; extreme caution is advised.
• Business 营商: Dui represents metal; when metal enters fire, it melts—an image of depletion. It is advisable to relocate to trade, so there will be no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: The Dragon Gate transformation, the image of burning the tail (passing the imperial exams), auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The hexagram structure is marsh above and fire below. A marsh with fire means water is controlled by fire, and the husband is controlled by the wife. Revolution has the image of divorcing the wife and remarrying.
• Household 家宅: This house should guard against fire disasters; it is urgently advisable to relocate.
• Illness 疾病: It is a symptom of dried-up kidney water and rising liver fire. It is advisable to change to a good physician and recuperate in harmony with the seasons.
• Litigation 讼事: This matter arose from nothing, a disaster coming from the outside. It is advisable to alter the pleadings and deliberate on the timing; the defense will clarify itself, and the lawsuit will be vindicated.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter. All prognostications of this hexagram bear the female image; only when the birth month is passed and change occurs, does it become a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

• Overall Image 大象: Dui is metal, which is melted by the fire of Li; the image of revolution/change.
• Fortune 运势: All matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation.
• Career 事业: Currently at a critical turning point, one must closely monitor all information and contemplate deeply. First consolidate your position and perfect your personal conduct. Once the timing is ripe, take immediate action and actively implement changes. However, ensure that motives are pure and methods are proper—neither conservative nor rashly advancing—and the career is bound to flourish.
• Business 经商: Market competition is extremely fierce. To remain undefeated, one must dare to boldly seek the new and change the direction of business in a timely manner. If set back, immediately summarize lessons learned, rise again, and expand commercial activities. Pay attention to the methods of competition.
• Seeking Fame 求名: First, strive to improve yourself and perfect your personal knowledge and virtue. At the same time, obey the directives of superiors to do the work well. The relationship between these two must be handled properly.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Some unforeseen complications or troublesome issues may arise; handle them calmly and remain devoted in affection.
• Decision 决策: Extremely auspicious and smooth. Rely on your intelligence and wisdom to adapt to the situation, act according to reason based on the characteristics of the era, reform outdated matters, and expand your career. However, remain cautious; do not act rashly when the timing is not ripe, and especially avoid seeking quick success and instant benefits. Think thrice before acting.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject (as if he were) bound with the skin of a yellow ox.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: Wrapped and secured with the hide of a yellow ox. The Image says: Wrapped and secured with the hide of a yellow ox indicates that the person is tightly bound and cannot take action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to cautiously adhere to routines and not harbor inappropriate desires. Officials should not strive to advance, and must absolutely avoid thinking of overstepping their bounds.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is best to hold fast and wait a few more years.
• Wealth 财运: Establish the foundation first, do not seek changes.
• Household 家宅: A newly built house; wait three years for marriage.
• Health 身体: Abdominal bloating and hardness; eliminate accumulation and strengthen the spleen.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just beginning to arrive; it is still advisable to hold fast and not act rashly.
• Business 营商: Business is just starting to take shape; it is advisable to first establish a firm foundation, and not hastily make changes.
• Fame & Career 功名: Seeking fame for the first time, one's talent is not yet full and the time is still early; one must wait four or five years before transforming and achieving success.
• Marriage 婚姻: The male and female are still young, not yet ready for engagement; wait three years and it can be completed.
• Household 家宅: This house is newly built, and the building is solid.
• Illness 疾病: The illness consists of weak stomach fire and overstrong spleen earth, causing abdominal bloating and hardness, similar to jaundice. The medicine should eliminate accumulation and strengthen the spleen to treat it.
• Litigation 讼事: It must be a persistent lawsuit, not easily resolved or concluded.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: The date of sacrifice is to be changed. Divination is cast again for the date of campaign, resulting in an auspicious omen and no disaster. The Image says: The date of sacrifice is to be changed, probably because there will be celebratory events.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, there are many celebratory events, and officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Align with auspicious days to establish fame and merit.
• Wealth 财运: Choose an auspicious day to open, and business will flourish.
• Household 家宅: Choose a day to repair the house; can be called a fine match.
• Health 身体: Will recover soon.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Entering a period of Earth fortune can start affairs and build a career, extremely favorable.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to choose Wu or Ji days to march and engage in battle; victory is assured.
• Business 营商: Most suitable for cement business. For any newly established business, choosing an Earth day to open will be extremely auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fame will surely be achieved in a Wu year or upon entering Earth fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: Can be called a fine match.
• Household 家宅: Repairing the old house should be scheduled on an Earth day.
• Travelers 行人: Will return on a Wu or Ji day.
• Illness 疾病: Will recover on a Ji day, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Setting out on a campaign brings defeat, and divination shows danger. But if one braces up, reorganizes equipment, and acts again, one can turn defeat into victory. The Image says: Repeated considerations indicate that one cannot escape reality, but must face the facts.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, it is a turbulent time; act with caution. Officials have the worry of rashness and failing in governance.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Consider repeatedly to avoid future trouble.
• Wealth 财运: Only with good credit can profits be made.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to move three times; three people as matchmakers.
• Health 身体: Will recover in three days.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At this turbulent time, any carelessness will immediately bring danger and misfortune. One should deliberate repeatedly before acting, so that the public will be convinced. From now on, fortunes will be extremely favorable.
• Warfare 战征: Warfare is a dangerous and disastrous matter. On the day of deploying troops, commands must first be clearly proclaimed; if trust is established, people will obey, and nothing will be unfavorable in going forward.
• Business 营商: Before calculating profits, one should first guard against losses. The way of trade prioritizes trust; only by gaining the trust and compliance of other merchants can profits be obtained.
• Fame & Career 功名: Success will surely be achieved after three attempts.
• Marriage 婚姻: With three people acting as matchmakers, it can succeed.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to move three times.
• Litigation 讼事: From initial trial, retrial, to final trial; the case will be vindicated after three trials.
• Illness 疾病: The symptoms are originally dangerous, but recovery is possible after three days.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: No regret. Having trust, changing destiny brings good fortune. The Image says: Changing destiny and obtaining good fortune is due to a firm and trustworthy aspiration.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, there will be transformations and gains. Officials will have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Switch tracks/careers, and good fortune will come naturally.
• Wealth 财运: Revitalize old businesses, and profits can be made.
• Household 家宅: Renovation is favorable; remarriage is favorable.
• Health 身体: Change to a good physician.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Saying 'regret vanishes' and 'auspicious' means that disasters and regrets have disappeared, and good fortune has arrived. All matters can be reformed, and everything will go as wished.
• Business 营商: It must be the revival of old businesses, yielding great profits.
• Warfare 战征: Change flags and alter courses, revitalize military commands; one can found a nation, open up lands, and turn defeat into victory, auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Abandon the military for civil pursuits, and fame can be achieved.
• Marriage 婚姻: Unfavorable for the original engagement; favorable for remarriage.
• Household 家宅: Reconstruction and renovation bring great fortune and success.
• Litigation 讼事: Disasters and regrets have receded; the lawsuit can be dismissed.
• Lost Items 失物: It can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: The great man changes like a tiger; there is no need to divine to know it will succeed. The Image says: The great man's tiger-like change shows brilliant patterns and prominent majesty.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortunes are turning for the better, with many auspicious events. Officials have hope of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A great fortune arrives; exceptionally successful.
• Wealth 财运: Set the price well, and profits will naturally follow.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for relocation; must guard against unchastity/infidelity.
• Health 身体: Liver fire is fluctuating; recovery is possible without medicine.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Such a great fortune is matchless for anyone other than a great man who 'stands out above the crowd.' If an ordinary person obtains this line, they will surely bring honor to their ancestors and benefit posterity, greatly revitalizing the family reputation.
• Warfare 战征: Tiger-like generals are mighty, their majestic reputation is long established; they can make the enemy surrender without battle.
• Business 营商: The White Tiger belongs to the Western mansions, and the West corresponds to Autumn. Guard against major fluctuations in commodity prices by Autumn. It is advisable to pre-determine the prices, which will naturally yield profit, auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: The Qian hexagram says: 'Clouds follow the dragon, winds follow the tiger,' meaning each meets their destined opportunity, auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Folk custom considers the White Tiger unfavorable. The marriage is trusted before being divined, which is like following before being wed, an image of a woman's unchastity.
• Household 家宅: Tiger in motion, also unfavorable.
• Illness 疾病: Tiger belongs to Yin, and Yin corresponds to Wood, which must be a symptom of liver wood perturbation. Trusted without divining, it will surely heal without medicine, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: The image originally points to giving birth to a daughter; once changed, it becomes a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Feng (Abundance). Holding a sacrifice, the king will personally attend the ancestral temple. Do not worry, the best time is at midday. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Li, Li is lightning. Lightning and thunder together show a major celestial phenomenon revealed by heaven, which is also the image of the hexagram Feng. In observing this image, the superior man, inspired by the brilliance and majesty of lightning and thunder, decides lawsuits and administers punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Grandeur and fullness, acquiring wealth and gaining profit; plans and hopes will be fulfilled, and there will surely be celebrations. Minor luck: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is strong, undertakings can succeed, and both fame and fortune can be gained. However, one should not be overly greedy, but rather find contentment in what one has, and guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy, loss of wealth, or even fire hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Zhen above). Lightning flashes and thunder rolls, leading to great achievements, symbolizing reaching the summit like the midday sun. Warning: One must pay close attention to things moving in the opposite direction; prosperity and decline are inconstant, and one must remain vigilant.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: The gentleman changes like a leopard, the petty man changes his face. Setting out on a campaign brings misfortune; peacefully adhering to the correct path brings good fortune. The Image says: The gentleman changes like a leopard, showing elegant patterns; the petty man changes his face, meaning he submits to the gentleman.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, keeping to one's station will avoid disputes. For officials, those who advance will be promoted, and those who retire will step down with honor after their success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is advisable to maintain the status quo and retire after achieving success.
• Wealth 财运: Gaining both fame and wealth; contentment brings constant happiness.
• Household 家宅: Residing in peace; many requests will be granted.
• Health 身体: Rest quietly and cultivate the mind.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortunes are at their zenith, and brilliance is manifest. It is only advisable to maintain success and avoid unnecessary changes.
• Business 营商: Since starting the business, both fame and wealth have been achieved, reaching perfection. Hereafter, one should be content and hold fast.
• Fame & Career 功名: Occupying the end of the hexagram, fame and merit have reached their limit. It advises retiring after success, as the saying goes, 'a man leaves his name behind when he dies, as a leopard leaves its skin.'
• Warfare 战征: Military terms often take the names of beasts, such as rhinoceros armor or tiger-like warriors, all used to brighten their appearance and display their might. The Top Six line represents the end, meaning the battle is settled; it is advisable to withdraw troops and defend, not to advance.
• Marriage 婚姻: The top line corresponds with the third line; Nine Three is Yang and Top Six is Yin. The third line says 'repeated three times, there is trust,' so seeking union repeatedly will naturally lead to completion, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The position of the line is at the top, so the foundation of the house must be high. Saying 'campaign brings misfortune' indicates relocation is unfavorable; saying 'peacefully adhering to the correct path brings good fortune' indicates residing in peace.
• Lost Items 失物: The object has undergone change; searching will not yield it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Gives birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Fellowship with Men Hexagram. Gathering the crowd in the outskirts, about to undertake a great enterprise, auspicious. Beneficial to cross great rivers, beneficial for the divination of a superior man. The Image says: In the hexagram of Fellowship with Men, the upper trigram is Qian (Heaven, representing the ruler), and the lower trigram is Li (Fire, representing the subjects). Upper Qian and lower Li symbolize the ruler communicating downwards and the subjects communicating upwards, with the will of ruler and subject in harmony. This is the image of Fellowship with Men. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on fire, illuminating heaven and earth, lighting up the obscure and hidden, thereby analyzing the classes of things and distinguishing their circumstances.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Humanity seeks affinity, fellowship with others; everything sought is obtained, and all is to one's liking. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have good fortune and smooth progress. It is even better to cooperate and work with others; with unity between above and below, plans will succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian is Heaven, the ruler; Li is Fire, the subject citizens. Heaven above and Fire below; the nature of fire is to rise, harmonizing with Heaven. Above and below are in harmony, helping each other in the same boat, interpersonal relations are harmonious, and the world is in Great Unity.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.