Ge

Judgment

革 已日 乃孚 元亨 利貞 悔亡

They took prisoners on the day of sacrifice. It will prosper greatly, it is beneficial. There will be no repentance.

Interpretation

The Hyeok Hexagram has Tae (Lake) in the upper trigram and Ri (Fire) in the lower trigram. Tae represents a lake, and Ri represents fire. The image of the Hyeok hexagram is fire in the center of a lake. When fire is in the center of a lake, water and fire clash, resulting in a transformation. The water dries up, and the vegetation burns, signifying a great transformation of the lake. Hyeok means to reform or to change.

In the commentary, Sa is used to refer to a sacrificial ritual, written with the character for "sacrifice." Bu is the old character for "booty" or "spoils," referring to prisoners and plundered goods. On the day of the ritual, prisoners are captured and offered as sacrifices, leading to great success.

For someone consulting this hexagram, it suggests that the matter in question is favorable, and there will be no regrets.

初九 鞏用黃牛之革

Initial Nine: Strengthening with a yellow cowhide.

The "Ball" refers to tying, and "Hyuk" refers to the skin of a beast after its fur is removed. The leather strap tied tightly with an oxhide is a symbol of determination for battle. A person who receives this line is in a situation where they are preparing for battle with strong resolve. This is a time for commitment, and the inquiry will be favorable.

六二 巳日乃革之,征吉,无咎

Six Two: The right day to use leather, good fortune, no fault.

The term "Person" refers to the sacrificial ceremony, and "Hyuk" means to change. In this case, a change in the sacrificial date leads to success, suggesting that moving forward with a new plan will lead to favorable results.

九三 征凶,貞厲.革言三就,有孚

Nine Three: Danger on the march, firm and harsh, three occasions of speech, faith exists.

The term "Hyeok" refers to a belt made of cowhide, while "Eon" refers to a horse’s chest strap. "Samchwi" means triple binding. A horse without a properly tied chest strap cannot run well and suffers defeat. However, after binding the chest strap three times, the person will succeed in battle and capture prisoners. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where initial failure occurs due to carelessness, but with renewed effort and determination, they will succeed. The task requires caution and diligence, but will ultimately succeed.

九四 悔亡。有孚,改命,吉

Nine Four: Regret gone, with faith, change fate, good fortune.

Adapting to new information brings success. The task at hand will be auspicious.

九五 大人虎變,未占,有孚

Nine Five: The great man transforms like a tiger, without question, faith exists.

The commander fiercely transforms like a tiger, capturing prisoners without hesitation. The task at hand will be swift and decisive, securing gains with bold leadership.

上六 君子豹變,小人革面,征凶.居貞吉

Top Six: The noble changes like a leopard, the small man changes face, journeying with misfortune, dwelling in firm good fortune.

The君子turns fierce like a leopard, but soldiers show fear, dooming conquest, though staying put brings fortune. The task at hand falters with discord; advance brings ruin, restraint yields auspiciousness.