Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5

Renewal becomes Clearing Obstacles

革 49 Renewal 解 40 Clearing Obstacles
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, and the figure becomes Thunder over Water, a storm breaking and the air clearing. When this many lines change, the guidance comes from the two that stay still in the resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles. The fourth asks you to let go of ties and loyalties you can't rely on, since they would only slow you down, so you're free to move on. The top line says that once you've built up your strength inside, firm and decisive action can carry you past what's left in the way. Together they describe a renewal that works by release: cutting loose what holds you back, then acting cleanly. Don't drag old commitments into the new situation out of habit. Build your inner footing first, and when you move, move with resolve. The obstacles are giving way; your job is not to tie yourself to them again.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 4 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still

    It's important to let go of ties and loyalties that can't be trusted and that, if anything, will slow your progress, so you can move forward freely.

    Untie your big toe: the friend arrives, and then there is trust.

  2. Line 6 of 40 Clearing Obstacles, which stays still

    Once you've strengthened your inner self, you can get through the obstacles and achieve your purpose with firm, decisive action.

    The duke shoots at a falcon on top of the high wall and hits it. Nothing that is not favorable.

  3. The judgment of 49 Renewal

    You're in a time of renewal, like shedding a skin. Open yourself to change and to new ways of doing things. Success lies in taking each step at exactly the right moment, and in weighing what needs to change and what doesn't, what is no longer doing its job. Don't be afraid to let it go: you need to make room for the new to arrive.

    When the day has come, there is trust. Great success. Constancy is favorable. Regret vanishes.

  4. Line 1 of 49 Renewal

    Don't rush into changes. Wait until conditions are favorable and you're clear about what you want to renew.

    Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox.

  5. Line 2 of 49 Renewal

    When you've tried several things to solve something and nothing works, it's time for radical change.

    When the day has come, the change is made. Setting out brings good fortune. No fault.

  6. Line 3 of 49 Renewal

    Neither dragging things out nor acting in too much of a hurry is the right way to go about it now. Ask for signs, so you act at the right moment.

    Setting out brings misfortune. Constancy is in danger. When word of the change has come round three times, there is sincere trust.

  7. Line 5 of 49 Renewal

    Renewal will come naturally, guided by a higher will that shows you the way to act.

    The great person changes like the tiger. Before any divining, there is sincere trust.

  8. The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles

    The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.

    The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Fire Water
Above Lake Thunder

The way back

40 Clearing Obstacles → 49 Renewal
lines 1, 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Renewal

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins