Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 革 (Gé) |
| English Name | Revolution / Transformation |
| Trigrams | Lake over Fire (兑上离下) |
| Number | 49 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution. Thus the superior man sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六二 | 2nd | When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No error. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九三 | 3rd | 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. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
| 九四 | 4th | Remorse disappears. Men believe him. Changing the form of government brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九五 | 5th | The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle he is believed. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上六 | Top | The superior man changes like a leopard. The inferior man molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering brings good fortune. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Fire in the lake; fundamental change whose time has come
- Upper trigram Lake (joyous and open) over lower trigram Fire (bright and clinging)
- Embodies the qualities of revolution, change, transformation and renewal, timing, reform
Keywords
RevolutionChangeTransformationRenewalTimingReform
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious after Preparation
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Fire in the lake; fundamental change whose time has come Channel the energy of revolution and change for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on transformation to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels revolution and change. The Lake trigram above suggests joyous and open energy in your outer dealings, while the Fire trigram below points to bright and clinging foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on mouth and respiratory and heart and eyes. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody revolution and change. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes transformation and renewal. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate revolution in all your actions
- Practice change consistently
- Embrace transformation as your guiding principle
- Develop renewal through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of timing
- Abandon reform under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 50. Dǐng (鼎) | The Cauldron — what follows revolution |
| 13. Tóng Rén (同人) | Fellowship — shared vision for change |
| 63. Jì Jì (既济) | After Completion — order after transformation |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “Is now the right time to make a radical career change?”
You received Hexagram 49, Revolution. The judgment says: 'Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering throug...' Fire in the lake; fundamental change whose time has come This is a favorable sign. The energy of revolution supports your intention. Move forward with transformation, but remain mindful of proper timing.