Hexagram 49: Revolution

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Dui (Lake) · Lower trigram: Li (Fire)

Judgment

Only after the day is fulfilled is one believed. Sublime success, favorable to persevere; regret vanishes.

Image

Fire within the lake: revolution. The noble one sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.

Meaning of Hexagram Revolution

Revolution (革) is hexagram #49 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Dui (Lake) and lower trigram Li (Fire). It represents fundamental change is necessary and must be timed and executed rightly. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

Initial Nine (Line 1)

""Bound firmly with the hide of a yellow ox.""

This line marks the very beginning of reform, when one lacks the timing and position to act. One should hold to the middle way and wait patiently rather than rush into change.

Second Six (Line 2)

""Only after a full day does one carry out reform; proceeding brings good fortune, no blame.""

This line has favorable conditions for carrying out reform, provided the preparation is thorough before acting.

Third Nine (Line 3)

""Rash advance brings misfortune; steadfastness amid danger. Only after discussing reform three times does trust arise.""

An important warning against impatience in reform — plans must be carefully considered, repeatedly, before implementation.

Fourth Nine (Line 4)

""Regret vanishes; sincerity wins trust; changing the mandate brings good fortune.""

This line combines firmness and flexibility appropriately, providing the conditions needed to carry out major reform once trust has been earned from everyone.

Fifth Nine (Line 5)

""The great man transforms like a tiger changing its stripes; without divination, trust is already assured.""

The ruling line of the hexagram — reform has succeeded almost completely, earning the absolute trust of all.

Top Six (Line 6)

""The superior person changes thoroughly like a leopard changing its spots; the inferior person changes only in appearance. Advancing further brings misfortune; holding steady brings good fortune.""

The final line, an important warning about knowing when to stop once reform has achieved good results.

The Transformed Hexagram

This hexagram has Li (Fire) below and Dui (Lake) above — it is the inverse of Hexagram 50, Fire over Wood (The Cauldron). Depending on which line moves, it transforms into different hexagrams.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

This hexagram speaks of reform and renewal. Careful preparation and clear planning are needed (as in the Third Nine's 'consider three times'), along with building trust from others before implementing major change, and knowing when to stop once good results are achieved (as in the Top Six).

Love & Relationships

This may be a time requiring major change in a relationship (such as moving from courtship to commitment). Time is needed to build trust — do not rush.

Health

A suitable time to make major changes to lifestyle and habits. A clear plan and persistent, step-by-step execution are needed.

Wealth

Favorable for restructuring and renewing financial strategy. Careful preparation and building trust with partners/investors are needed before implementing major changes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Revolution

What does the hexagram Fire over Lake (Revolution) mean?

Cach means change or reform. This hexagram describes the process of renewal — abandoning the outdated to build something more suitable.

Why is reform often not trusted right away at the start?

Because people tend to be conservative and reluctant to change familiar habits — it takes time and real results to convince people to trust in change.

What is the lesson of 'knowing when to stop' in reform?

The Top Six line warns against carrying reform too far without knowing when to stop after good results are achieved — as in the example of Napoleon mentioned in the commentary, whose reforms began well but ultimately failed due to excessive ambition.