Hexagram 49

Revolution (Gé)

Above: Lake · Below: Fire

When it's time to change, change

Revolution (Gé)

Hexagram 49 · Revolution (Gé)

The judgment

Change must wait until the time is ripe for people to trust it. When the change is right, things go very well, and regrets disappear.

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

Much change and movement; hold firm to the right path. In step with heaven and with people, carry out the change.

… Blessed and well matched, one gains fivefold in gold.

With blessing and a good partnership, you earn five times your gold.

On fortune: like fire suddenly breaking out where there was water — your fortunes have turned unusual. Change with the times, and there will be good fortune.
On trade: move your trade to another place, and there will be no blame.

Unusual turn of fortune; change with the times

Find a better doctor; heal with the seasons

Move your trade elsewhere, and no blame

Take care with fire; moving brings good luck

Change the way you relate; drop old habits

The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.

The six lines

Nine at the beginning: Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox.
Six in the second place: On the right day, make the change. Setting out brings good fortune, no blame.
Nine in the third place: Setting out brings misfortune; persisting is dangerous. When talk of change has come round three times, there is trust.
Nine in the fourth place: Regret vanishes. With trust, the old order is changed. Good fortune.
Nine in the fifth place: The great person changes like a tiger's stripes. Even before consulting the oracle, there is trust.
Six at the top: The noble person changes like a leopard's spots; the petty person changes only their face. Setting out brings misfortune; staying steady brings good fortune.

Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.