Hexagram 43 changing to 49: Breakthrough to Revolution

Where it starts: 43 Breakthrough

Five strong lines against one weak one at the top: the decisive, open resolution of a last remaining wrong. Heaven below, lake above: a lake risen to the sky, about to burst. Breakthrough describes the moment when what has been building must break: a resolute declaration against a last inferior element, made openly and in the right way. The tradition's judgement is detailed. The matter must be declared publicly and truthfully; there is danger; one must notify one's own city and not resort to arms; it furthers to have somewhere to go. The image warns against hoarding the gains. The reading says the time for resolution has come, that it should be done in the open, by declaration rather than force, and that the last remnant of the old must not be underestimated.

Where it goes: 49 Revolution

The moulting of a skin: a necessary, well-timed change that is believed only once it is done. Fire below, lake above: fire and water in conflict, each trying to destroy the other, like two daughters who cannot share a house. Revolution describes fundamental change, the kind that cannot be reformed into existence and must be made. The tradition's judgement is careful: on your own day you are believed; supreme success; persistence furthers; remorse disappears. Change of this order is not trusted in advance. It is justified by being the right change at the right time, made by the right person, and it is believed afterwards. The reading says the old form has to go, and it insists on timing, preparation and legitimacy.

The lines that move

1. Line 2

   A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and night. Fear nothing.

   Alert and prepared, so that the danger, when it comes, finds nothing to attack. Readiness is the cure for fear. The line describes vigilance that has made itself calm. Stay armed and alert, and then there is nothing to fear.

What is changing. The situation of Breakthrough is moving toward Revolution. Resolve the matter openly and truthfully, by declaration not force, and share what it frees. As the change completes: Make the necessary change at the right time, with preparation and legitimacy, and expect to be believed afterwards.

love and relationships

Now: Something must be said plainly and finally. Say it openly and without violence, and expect it to be dangerous. The reading favours the clear declaration over both silence and force, and warns against being too sure of the outcome. Then: Something between you has to change fundamentally, not be patched. Prepare it, time it, and do it for reasons the other person will recognise afterwards even if they do not in advance. Do not revolt in a temper.

career

Now: A decisive break with a last remaining problem, a person or a practice. Declare it in the open, through proper means, and do not underestimate the resistance. Share the gains of the resolution rather than keeping them. Then: Radical change: a restructuring, a departure, a new direction that cannot be reached by adjustment. The reading supports it on conditions: the time must be ripe, the case must be sound, and you must be the right person to make it.

money

Now: The moment to resolve a lingering financial wrong, decisively and transparently. Not the moment to hoard the results. Distribute what the breakthrough frees. Then: A fundamental change of approach rather than a tweak. Make it once, deliberately, after preparation; a revolution made twice loses everyone's trust. Expect to be believed only when the results show.

decisions

Now: Decide, and decide openly. The reading supports the resolute option provided it is declared rather than forced, and it says to keep a destination in view. Half-measures now leave the last remnant to grow back. Then: The decision is for real change, and the reading asks three questions before you make it: is it necessary, is it timely, and are you the one to do it? If all three are yes, decide and do not look back.