Hexagram 49 · Line 6
Revolution — 上九
Ge · Shang Jiu
The Line
The noble one changes like a panther. The lesser one molts in the face. Setting out brings misfortune. To abide in perseverance brings good fortune.
Interpretation
After the great fundamental questions have been decided, transformations in detail and more exact carryings-through are still necessary. These are to be compared with the likewise clear but smaller spots of the panther skin. Also among the lesser, a change takes place as a result. They too molt in accord with the new order. To be sure, this molting is not deep-going, but that cannot be expected either. One must be content with what is possible. Were one to want to go too far and achieve too much, this would result in unrest and misfortune. For what is to be striven for through a great revolution are clear, firm conditions that grant a general reassurance with what is possible at the time.