upper trigram change 49 4,5,6>22

[yxeli]

I read somewhere that the lower trigram represents the inner and the upper the outer form of a situation, when applied to a reading like revolution to grace, (skinning to facades) would i be right in translating this as changing the outer facade? Is there more to it?

Thanks

Yx

 

[elias]

The lower = inner / upper = outer is theoretically true of all hexagrams, though it's easy to overlook unless you're specifically reading for these aspects. (In much the same way, lines in the trigrams relate to their "rulers" 2 and 5, as well as their corresponding line in their opposing trigram.)

Of the changes in the upper hex of 49: line 4 you are believed only after you've made (and stuck to) a change. This strikes me as the lesson of the entire hexagram -- change is only believed when it is manifestly complete. Then all opposition drops away.

line 5: Great People change like the tiger, who changes his stripes and everyone believes. There is no need for consulting the tea leaves -- the evidence is overwhelming.

line 6: a more complex message. While westerners rhetorically ask "can the leopard change his spots?" in the sense that an individual cannot truly change his/her nature, the ancient Chinese believed that leopards could indeed change spots, or hide them completely, as the situation required. A developed person can indeed "change his spots." Others may follow, but the transformation is not as powerful, and these followers may simply put on the appearance of following without really being transformed. In the rather striking phrase, these people "molt in the face" when their facade slips away. One cannot expect too much of such uncommitted followers.

So... for you as the querent, the usual boring Taoist advice: authentic inner change will have an effect, though it demands your whole-hearted commitment, and it may well take a while before anyone responds in a positive fashion. Indeed, others may strongly discourage your attempts until the change is complete. Simply putting on the facade of change or trying to fake it 'till you make it will not be personally satisfactory or particularly enduring.

Hex 22 indicates an improved situation, though with the caution of the leopard's change -- it may be pretty, but it may not be enduring or deep-rooted. It's a transition state, though an improvement over the present. You must continue to work on your self-development.

 

[bradford]

There's more to it than that, but that's a pretty good start.
It's also somewhat analogous to a planet changing signs
in astrology or a numbered card changing suits in the tarot.
And it's a good way to handle three changing lines in a row.
There's a more to say in the Dimensions chapter of my Vol. 2,
under Ban Xiang or half-images.

 

[yxeli]

Thank you Elias, Yes it all makes sense. Im getting 49 alot these days.

Bradford, thank you, I have had your books for quite some time now and they are really brilliant. I tried to understand your Ban Xiang writing but I think i ought to begin at the very start, a lot of terms I dont quite understand. I will read it in its entirety over the next few weeks.

Thank you both.

Yx