Revolution

鞏用黃牛之革。

Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox.

The yellow oxhide binds rather than releases movement at Line 1. Traditional readings take this as restraint at the beginning of change. Its single-line change makes Mountain below Lake, Hexagram 31, offering a contrast with influence and response.

巳日乃革之，征吉，无咎。

When the day has passed, then make the change. Setting out is favorable. No fault.

Line 2 permits change only after the stated interval; the timing condition precedes the favorable verdict. Changing it makes Heaven below Lake, Hexagram 43. A decisive declaration can be compared with reform that waits for its time.

征凶，貞厲。革言三就，有孚。

Setting out brings misfortune; constancy is dangerous. When the proposed change has been thoroughly discussed three times, there is trust.

Line 3 warns against advance and calls for repeated, completed discussion of the proposed change. Its change makes Thunder below Lake, Hexagram 17. Following offers a comparison with the trust sought through deliberation.

悔亡，有孚改命，吉。

Regret disappears. Trust is present in changing the mandate. Favorable.

The passage links a changed mandate with trust and the disappearance of regret. Changing Line 4 makes Water above Fire, Hexagram 63. The comparison places a decision to change beside an image of completion.

大人虎變，未占有孚。

A great person changes like a tiger. Trust is present before divination.

The tiger’s distinct pattern makes change visible in Line 5; trust precedes the consultation. Changing it makes Thunder above Fire, Hexagram 55. The tiger’s visible pattern can be compared with Abundance’s light and activity.

君子豹變，小人革面，征凶，居貞吉。

The exemplary person changes like a leopard; the small person changes the face. Setting out brings misfortune. Remaining constant in place is favorable.

Line 6 distinguishes the leopard’s patterned change from an outward change of face, then warns against further advance. Changing it makes Heaven above Fire, Hexagram 13. Fellowship offers another context for considering changed relations.