Hexagram 49
Revolution (Molting)
革 (Gé)
Lake over Fire
The image is of Fire below a Lake. The two elements are in conflict: fire evaporates water, and water extinguishes fire. This mutual struggle symbolizes a revolutionary state of tension. The old order is being destroyed to make way for the new. This is not a gentle change, but a radical "molting" or shedding of an old skin, leading to a fundamental transformation of conditions.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment acknowledges that revolution, though difficult, can lead to great success. The key is timing. Before the right moment ("your own day"), your calls for change will be ignored. You must prepare diligently and wait for conditions to be perfect. When you act at the right time, you will gain the trust of the people, and your actions will succeed. This requires perseverance in preparation. Acting correctly removes any cause for future regret.
The Image (象传)
Revolution should not lead to chaos. The image of the superior man creating a new, clear calendar after a change of dynasty symbolizes the need for creating a new, understandable order. A true revolution replaces a corrupt or obsolete system with one that is clear, structured, and brings clarity to the people. The goal is a new and better organization of life, not anarchy.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving this hexagram indicates that a fundamental, radical change is necessary. The old ways, systems, or beliefs are no longer working and must be overthrown. This is not a time for minor reforms but for a complete transformation. However, such a change must not be undertaken lightly. It requires careful planning, building support, and waiting for the absolute right moment to act. When you have prepared properly and the time is ripe, act with confidence and decisiveness. It is time to shed your old skin and embrace a complete renewal.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow."
At the very start of a revolutionary period, you must restrain yourself completely. It is too early to act. "Yellow" is the color of correctness and the middle way; a "cow's hide" is tough and strong. This means you must bind yourself to what is right and hold back your impulse for action.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. To set forth brings good fortune. No blame."
The time for action has arrived. You are in the right position and have the support needed to initiate the change. Moving forward now will lead to success and will be a blameless course of action. The preparations are complete; it is time to proceed.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"To set forth brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has been repeated three times, one may commit."
Acting now would be rash and dangerous. You must be extremely cautious. Before taking any action, the need for change must be thoroughly discussed and widely accepted. Only after careful public deliberation and clear consensus is it safe to proceed.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Remorse disappears. One is believed. Changing the form of government brings good fortune."
The period of doubt and preparation is over. The change has been justified, and you have earned the people's trust. Now is the time to implement the new systems and structures. This will be highly auspicious and successful.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle, he is believed."
As a leader at the center of the revolution, your actions are clear, magnificent, and obvious to all, like the beautiful and distinct stripes of a tiger. Your authority is so self-evident that you don't need to justify your actions; the people already trust you.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"The superior man changes like a panther. The inferior man molts in the face. To set forth brings misfortune."
The great revolution is complete. Now is the time for consolidation. The superior person adapts to the new order with grace and clarity, like a panther whose spotted pattern is distinct. The inferior person merely makes a superficial change of appearance. The task now is to persevere in the new order, not to start further changes.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram points to the need for a fundamental revolution in a relationship. The old patterns and dynamics are no longer sustainable. Minor adjustments will not suffice; a radical change is required. This could mean completely transforming the way you communicate and relate to each other, or it could mean ending the relationship to create a new beginning for yourself. This change must be well-considered and timed correctly to avoid chaos.
Career & Business (事业)
In a business context, Revolution calls for a complete overhaul. The current business model, company structure, or your career path is obsolete and requires radical change. This is the time for a major restructuring, a pivot to a new market, or even a complete career change. Do not tinker with the old system. Prepare carefully, create a clear plan for the new order, and then implement it decisively.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For your health, this signifies the need for a revolutionary lifestyle change. If you are dealing with a chronic issue, small adjustments are not enough. A radical transformation of your diet, exercise habits, and overall approach to self-care is required. It's time to "molt" your old, unhealthy patterns and emerge with a renewed commitment to well-being. The change must be total to be effective.
Financial Matters (财运)
Revolution indicates that your current financial strategy is failing and needs a complete overhaul. Your methods of earning, spending, or investing are no longer working. A radical budget, a new primary source of income, or a fundamental shift in your financial philosophy is necessary to create a new, stable order. Clinging to the old ways will lead to loss.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The lesson of Revolution is the courage for profound self-transformation. Growth comes from recognizing when your core beliefs, your identity, and your way of life no longer serve you. It is about having the will to cast off this old skin, even if the process is difficult, in order to be reborn into a more authentic and viable version of yourself. This is not about tweaking your personality; it's about a fundamental renewal from the inside out.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
A time for radical change is upon you. The old must be overthrown. However, do not act rashly. Your success depends entirely on careful preparation and impeccable timing. Build support for the change, create a clear vision for the new order that will follow, and wait for the perfect moment to act. When that day arrives, be decisive and confident. Remorse will disappear.
