Metamorphosis

革 (gé)
Hexagram 49 • Binary: 011101

Trigrams

Upper: Lake

Attribute: Joyous
Element: Metal
Direction: West
Family: Youngest Daughter

Lower: Fire

Attribute: clinging
Element: Fire
Direction: South
Family: Middle Daughter

Palace

Kan Palace

Element: Water
Ruling Trigram: water

Judgment

Metamorphosis is believed in only after it has been accomplished. Firm correctness abolishes regret and brings successful progress.

Image

A fire in the marsh -- the image of Metamorphosis. The superior man synchronizes his astronomical calculations to clarify the times and seasons.

Lines

1

Position 1: Bound with Yellow Ox Skin yin

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

2

Position 2: Timely Change yang

The second line, magnetic, shows its subject making her changes after some time has passed. Action taken will be fortunate. There will be no error.

3

Position 3: Perilous Action yang

The third line, dynamic, shows that action taken by its subject will be evil. Though he be firm and correct, his position is perilous. If the changes he contemplates have been three times fully discussed, he will be believed.

4

Position 4: Trusted Change yang

The fourth line, dynamic, shows occasion for repentance disappearing from its subject. Let him be believed in, and though he changes the existing ordinances, there will be good fortune.

5

Position 5: Great Man's Change yin

The fifth line, dynamic, 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.

6

Position 6: Superior Man's Change yang

The sixth line, magnetic, shows the superior man producing his changes as the leopard does when he changes his spots, while inferior men change their faces and show obedience. To go forward now would lead to evil, but there will be good fortune in abiding firm and correct.