Hexagram 49, Line 4
Revolution (革)
九四:悔亡
The Line Text
九四:悔亡,有孚,改命,吉。
Nine in the fourth place: Regret disappears. There is sincerity. To change the mandate brings good fortune.
The Commentary says: The Image says: The good fortune of changing the mandate comes because one's aims are trusted.
Interpretation
This line marks a pivotal and powerful moment within the process of Revolution. The fourth line represents the position of a high minister, close to the leader (line five), who is now in a position to enact real change. The initial phase of doubt, struggle, and hesitation is over; "Regret disappears." This signifies that the necessity for a radical shift is now fully understood and accepted. The driving force behind this change is not selfish ambition but profound sincerity and inner truth (有孚, yǒu fú). Because your motives are pure and your vision is clear, you earn the trust and confidence of others, both above and below you. This grants you the moral authority to "change the mandate" (改命, gǎi mìng), which in ancient times referred to changing the divine right to rule. In a modern context, it means you can successfully rewrite the core principles, rules, or constitution of the situation. This is not a minor adjustment but a fundamental, systemic overhaul. The time is right, your heart is true, and the support is there. The outcome is unequivocally auspicious.
Guidance for Action
The time for deliberation has passed. Act with confidence and conviction. Your primary task is to ensure your motivations are completely sincere and aligned with the greater good. Any lingering self-interest will undermine your efforts. Communicate your vision for change with clarity and passion; your success depends on others trusting your aims. Do not shy away from making deep, structural changes. Half-measures will fail. This is the moment to tear down the old order and establish a new one based on sounder principles. Trust in your inner certainty, as it is the source of your power to influence the situation for the better. Your leadership is needed now, and you have the green light to proceed with your revolution.
For Love & Relationships
In a relationship, this line signifies a profound and positive transformation. Any regrets or lingering doubts about the partnership are now fading away. You and your partner have reached a point of clarity where a fundamental change is not only possible but necessary. This is the time to "change the mandate" of your relationship—to redefine its terms. This could mean moving from casual dating to a committed partnership, getting engaged or married, or completely overhauling the dynamic of an existing long-term relationship to make it healthier. The key to success is sincerity (有孚). Both parties must be honest and transparent about their feelings and intentions. If this change is pursued with genuine love and a shared vision, it will lead to great happiness and a much stronger, more fulfilling bond. If the relationship is toxic, this line can also indicate a necessary and ultimately beneficial separation, a revolution that frees you both.
For Career & Business
This is a powerful omen for your career. You are in a position to initiate or lead a major, positive change. Doubts about a bold career move, a departmental restructuring, or a new business strategy are now resolved. You have the clarity and confidence to proceed. Your integrity and sincere belief in this new direction will earn you the trust and backing of your superiors, colleagues, and team. You have been given the authority—or can now seize it—to "change the mandate." This means you can rewrite your job description, pivot the company's core mission, or implement a completely new system or process. Do not hold back. This is your chance to be a true change-agent. The results of your decisive and well-intentioned actions will be highly successful and recognized.
For Financial Matters
This line signals an excellent time to revolutionize your entire approach to finances. Let go of any regrets about past financial mistakes or poor decisions. The path forward is now clear. Your success hinges on creating a new financial plan based on sincerity and a clear-eyed view of your reality (有孚). This is the moment to "change the mandate"—to shift from a strategy of debt to one of savings, to move from passive investing to active management, or to launch a business that fundamentally alters your income structure. You must act with conviction and according to a well-defined, honest plan. If you do, this financial revolution will be extremely beneficial, leading to greater stability, wealth, and long-term security.