I Ching 49.6 - Revolution, Line 6

Hexagram 49, Line 6

Revolution (革)

Hexagram Symbol

上九

The Line Text

上九,君子豹變,小人革面。征凶,居貞吉。

Top Nine: The superior person changes like a leopard. The small person changes their face. To advance brings misfortune. To remain steadfast brings good fortune.

The Commentary says: The superior person's change is like a leopard's; its pattern is brilliant and elegant. The small person's changing of the face is to follow the ruler obediently.

Interpretation

This top line signifies the successful completion of the revolution. The great change has been accomplished, and a new order is established. The transformation is now fully manifest for all to see. The "superior person," the leader of the change, has undergone a profound and thorough transformation; their new principles and state of being are clear, distinct, and admirable, like the beautiful and well-defined spots on a leopard's coat. This change is not superficial but deep and complete. In contrast, the "small person" also changes, but only on the surface. They "change their face," adapting their outward behavior and allegiance to conform to the new reality and align with the new leadership. Their change is one of expediency, not deep conviction. The crucial advice here is that the time for action and struggle is over. To "advance"—to push for yet more change or to continue the fight—would be excessive and destabilizing, leading to misfortune. The proper course is to "remain steadfast," consolidating the gains, stabilizing the new order, and living by the principles that have been established. The revolution is over; now is the time to govern.

Guidance for Action

Your period of major transformation is now complete. You have successfully implemented a significant change in your life, and the results are clear and established. Resist the temptation to initiate another radical shift or to keep pushing your agenda forward. To do so would be to overreach and risk undoing your hard work. Your task now is to consolidate your new position. Live with integrity and clarity, letting your new principles shine through in your actions, like the distinct spots of a leopard. Be a source of stability. Allow the new situation to settle and take root. By remaining firm and consistent in your new reality, you will secure good fortune and allow others to adapt to the positive changes you have brought about.

For Love & Relationships

A fundamental and necessary transformation in your relationship has been achieved. The old, problematic dynamics have been shed, and a new, clearer way of relating is now in place. For the partner who initiated this change with wisdom and integrity, their new stance is clear and beautiful—a "leopard change." The other partner may be adapting more superficially, "changing face" to go along with the new order. The key now is to stop pushing. Do not bring up old issues or try to force even more change. The revolution is complete. The work now is to live within this new, healthier dynamic. Be consistent, loving, and stable. Let this new foundation solidify through patient and steadfast behavior. Pressing further will only create new conflicts.

For Career & Business

A major project, company restructuring, or significant career transition has been successfully concluded. The new system is in place, and your new role or authority is clearly established. Your competence and vision are now undeniable, and your new way of operating is seen by all. Colleagues and subordinates are adapting; some have truly embraced the new vision (a leopard change), while others are simply conforming to the new power structure (a face change). Your mission is no longer to be a revolutionary but a stable leader. Do not immediately launch another disruptive initiative. Focus on solidifying the new procedures, managing the team, and ensuring the new order runs smoothly and efficiently. Continued agitation will lead to chaos and resistance. Good fortune comes from maintaining and perfecting what you have just built.

For Financial Matters

You have successfully completed a major overhaul of your financial life. Perhaps you have cleared a significant debt, finished a long-term investment plan, or radically changed your approach to earning and spending. The results of this "revolution" are now evident in your improved financial stability. This is not the time for another aggressive or high-risk financial maneuver. The period of drastic action is over. To launch into another "get rich quick" scheme or major financial risk would be foolish and likely lead to losses. The guidance is to be steadfast. Stick to your new, successful system. Manage your finances prudently, consolidate your gains, and allow your wealth to grow from this new, stable foundation. Your good fortune lies in disciplined maintenance, not in further upheaval.

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