Hexagram 49: Revolution
Radical change, transformation
| Chinese | 革 (Gé) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☱ Lake — The Joyous (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☲ Fire — The Clinging (Fire) |
| Keywords | revolution, change, transformation, renewal |
| Opposite | Hexagram 4: Youthful Folly |
| Inverted | Hexagram 50: The Cauldron |
What does Hexagram 49 (Revolution) mean?
Revolution 革 (Gé) is hexagram 49 of the I Ching, formed by Lake (The Joyous) over Fire (The Clinging). Its theme is radical change, transformation, with key ideas of revolution, change, transformation, renewal. The Judgment reads: “Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success.”
The Judgment of Revolution
Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success.
The Image of Revolution
Fire in the lake.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 49
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.”
The time for revolution has not yet come; remain firmly contained. Premature action at this stage is ineffective and dangerous.
Six in the second place
“When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No blame.”
Acting at the exact right moment — one's own appointed time — makes revolution both effective and blameless. Timing is everything.
Nine in the third place
“Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, one may commit himself, and men will believe him.”
Acting too soon in revolutionary change brings harm. Wait until the need is universally acknowledged and trust is established before committing.
Nine in the fourth place
“Remorse disappears. Men believe him. Changing the form of government brings good fortune.”
When inner truth and outer readiness align, regret dissolves and people follow willingly. Structural transformation at this point brings lasting good.
Nine in the fifth place
“The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle, he is believed.”
The transformative leader whose character is unmistakable inspires confidence without needing to justify every move. Inner greatness precedes external confirmation.
Six at the top
“The superior man changes like a panther. The inferior man molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering brings good fortune.”
Fine-grained, elegant refinement at the end of the revolution is appropriate; new upheaval at this point is wrong. Consolidate and perfect; do not restart.
Will Revolution answer your question?
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