Hexagram 49 of 64
革
Revolution
Gé
Upper Trigram
兌
Lake
Joyous, Open
Lake · Youngest Daughter
Lower Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
The Judgment
Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears.
Fire and water in the lake — their opposition generates radical change. Revolution is justified only when the old order has truly exhausted its legitimacy and the new is prepared with genuine virtue. The moment of belief — when one's day has come — must be earned.
The Image
Fire in the lake — the image of Revolution. Thus the superior person sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.
True revolution recalibrates the fundamental rhythm of things — aligning human activity with natural order. The clearest marking of seasons is itself a revolutionary act of wisdom.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.
Bound by the old order for now. This is not the moment for change — consolidate and wait. The yellow cow binds with natural, yielding strength.
Line 2
When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No blame.
When the time is truly ripe and the mandate is genuine, act. The revolution begun at the right moment is both fortunate and blameless.
Line 3
Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, one may commit oneself, and men will believe them.
Do not move too quickly. Let the need for change be thoroughly recognized and discussed before committing to revolutionary action.
Line 4
Remorse disappears. Men believe them. Changing the form of government brings good fortune.
The inner work of earning trust is complete. The revolution in form now follows from the revolution in understanding.
Line 5
The great person changes like a tiger. Even before they question the oracle they are believed.
The person of great character transforms with the decisiveness and completeness of a tiger's markings changing — instantly recognizable and unmistakable.
Line 6
The superior person changes like a panther. The inferior person molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering brings good fortune.
The superior person's change is subtle but complete, like the panther's mottled coat. The inferior person merely changes their outward manner. Consolidate; do not start new revolutions now.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.