I Ching Hexagram 49 · Revolution

Hexagram Position Information

• Primary Hexagram: Hexagram 49 · Revolution (Lake over Fire)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Hexagram 44 · Coming to Meet (Heaven over Wind)
• Contrasting Hexagram: Hexagram 4 · Youthful Folly (Mountain over Water)
• Reversed Hexagram: Hexagram 50 · The Cauldron (Fire over Wind)
• Palace: Kan Palace · Fourth-Generation Hexagram

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Hexagram Judgment

Revolution: On one's own day, there is trust. Supreme success. Favorable divination. Regret disappears.

Image Commentary

There is fire in the lake: Revolution. The noble person accordingly regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Plain Explanation

The Hexagram Revolution signifies change in accord with the proper time. When the right day arrives, change naturally wins people's trust, the outlook is favorable, it is beneficial to hold fast to what is correct, and all regret fades away.

The image is fire within the lake. Water and fire both oppose and complete one another, symbolizing how old things move toward renewal through tension. The noble person therefore establishes the calendar, discerns the order of the seasons, and grasps the rhythm of transformation.

The Greater Image and Core Spirit

Interpretations Through the Ages

Duanyi Tianji

The Hexagram Revolution governs change. Only by casting off the old and establishing the new, in harmony with the times, can one advance further.

Shao Yong's Interpretation

Many matters are subject to change; it is fitting to hold to what is right while carrying out reform. If one follows Heaven and responds to people, change will come without disorder.

Fu Pei-jung's Interpretation

• Fortune: A time for change; move with the trend.
• Wealth: Greater expenditure; it is advisable to shift the mode of business.
• Home: Beware of fire hazards; there may also be signs of remarriage.
• Health: Excess liver fire and insufficient kidney water.

The Progression of the Six Lines

Detailed Line Interpretations

First Nine

Line Text: Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox.

Image Says: Bound fast with the hide of a yellow ox; one should not undertake action.

The time has not yet come, so it is best to consolidate and preserve what already exists. The conditions for reform are not yet mature; do not act rashly.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 31 · Influence (Lake over Mountain)

Six in the Second Place

Line Text: On one's own day, then change it. Setting out brings good fortune. No blame.

Image Says: On one's own day, change it. In action there is merit.

The time is ripe; reform in accord with the situation. Those above and below respond together, and action brings auspiciousness.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 43 · Breakthrough (Lake over Heaven)

Nine in the Third Place

Line Text: Setting out brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of reform has been repeated three times, there is trust.

Image Says: When talk of reform has been repeated three times, what more is there to go toward?

Reform must not be too radical. Only through broad discussion and repeated communication can trust be won.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 17 · Following (Lake over Thunder)

Nine in the Fourth Place

Line Text: Regret disappears. There is trust. Changing the mandate brings good fortune.

Image Says: The good fortune of changing the mandate comes from sincerity of purpose.

Reform has entered a critical level. If carried out with integrity, old regrets dissolve, and change can succeed.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 63 · After Completion (Water over Fire)

Nine in the Fifth Place

Line Text: The great person transforms like a tiger. Even before divination, there is trust.

Image Says: The great person transforms like a tiger; his pattern shines brilliantly.

A leader who is centered and correct inspires reform through force of character. Without divining, there is confidence, and the achievement is radiant.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 55 · Abundance (Thunder over Fire)

Top Six

Line Text: The noble person transforms like a leopard; the petty person merely changes expression. Setting out brings misfortune. Remaining steadfast brings good fortune.

Image Says: The noble person transforms like a leopard; his pattern is splendid.

Reform has reached its stage of completion. It is best to preserve the results and not force matters further. Once success is achieved, it is fitting to withdraw and hold firm.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 13 · Fellowship with Men (Heaven over Fire)

Guidance for Everyday Life

Career and Finances: Take the hexagram's meaning as a reference, first confirm the conditions and risks, then proceed steadily.

Relationships and Human Affairs: Maintain sincere communication and clear boundaries; avoid judging solely on passing emotions.

Physical and Mental Well-Being: Pay attention to stress and daily routine. The above content is only for everyday self-care reference; if discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

Summary of the Hexagram's Meaning

The Hexagram Revolution symbolizes the way of transformation that accords with Heaven and responds to people. Change is not restless agitation, but timing; the new is not destruction, but letting the old give way so new life can arise. Only by holding to what is right while reforming can great good fortune be attained.