Hexagram 49, Gé (Revolution): Line 1

革卦初九 · 泽火革 · 中文版

初九:巩用黄牛之革。

The line (Legge)

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

Small Image commentary

'He is bound with (the skin of) a yellow ox:' - he should in his circumstances be taking action.

象曰:巩用黄牛,不可以有为也。

In plain words

Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox. The first line is at the start of change: the time is not yet ripe, so it must restrain itself and not act rashly. The Small Image says it cannot act.

Applying it to your situation

If you want change but the time has not come, this line suggests steadying yourself first. What would signal that the time is ripe?

Position

A solid (yang) line in the first place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is in its proper place. Its partner is line 4; both are yang, so they do not respond.

If this line moves

With this line moving alone, Gé changes into Hexagram 31 Xián (Influence). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·革之咸.

The hexagram

Hexagram 49 Gé (Revolution). The Judgment: (What takes place as indicated by) Ge 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.

Next: Line 2

English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.

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