Hexagram 49 of 64
Revolution
ge · 革
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 49, Revolution, is summarized by the Judgment: Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance.
- ◈Its structure is Lake above Fire; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: revolution, change, transformation, commitment.
By the Numbers
- #49
- King Wen Order
- Revolution in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Lake above Fire.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 49, Gé (革), is the hexagram of Revolution — the radical transformation that occurs when the old order can no longer sustain itself. Composed of Duì (☱ Lake) above and Lí (☲ Fire) below: fire beneath the lake — the water evaporates, the lake transforms. This is the image of fundamental change — not gradual reform, but total transformation.
This expanded note is adapted from the long-form hexagram draft as cultural and textual context; a live reading still depends on the question, changing lines, and the full transformation pattern.
Six-Line Theme Map
I Ching lines are read from the bottom upward. This map runs from the initial line to the top line so the Judgment, Image, and moving-line position can be read together.
- L1
初九 · 巩用黄牛之革
Bound with yellow ox-hide — don't change yet
- L2
六二 · 巳日乃革之
The day of sì — transform now
- L3
九三 · 征凶贞厉革言三就
Advancing misfortune, discuss reform three times
- L4
九四 · 悔亡有孚改命
Regret vanishes, destiny changes
- L5
九五 · 大人虎变
The great person transforms like a tiger
- L6
上六 · 君子豹变小人革面
The noble person transforms like a leopard
Deep Reading
Revolution depends on timing
Gé is radical, but it is not impulsive. The phrase about the day of sì places trust after timing has ripened. Change becomes credible when the old form is truly exhausted and the new pattern can be named.
Tiger change, not face change
The tiger and leopard images contrast deep transformation with surface change. Gé asks whether the nature of the situation has shifted, not whether language, branding, or appearance has been repainted.
Reading Gé in a live question
- Organizational change
- Do not force change before legitimacy is visible. Discuss the change repeatedly and make the reason concrete.
- Relationship renegotiation
- A real renegotiation changes behavior and commitments, not only labels.
- Personal reset
- Change the underlying routine. Cosmetic change will not carry the weight of this hexagram.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- The interpretation follows the Zhouyi Judgment, Image, and line statements for Gé, especially timing and tiger-change imagery.
- Zhouyi: Gé Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Revolution is a symbolic transformation pattern. It is not advice for political violence, legal action, or reckless disruption.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
Yes, if fully committed. Half-measures will fail.
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Fire
The Judgment (King Wen)
Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance.
The Image
Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 49 (Revolution)?
Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 49?
Hexagram 49 acts with the upper trigram Lake and the lower trigram Fire.
What are the core themes of Revolution?
The core themes and meanings include: revolution, change, transformation, commitment.