I Ching · Hexagram 49 of 64
49. Gé 革 · Revolution
By Destiny Kua · Updated
Time for change. Prepare well and act at the right moment.
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌
- Lower trigram
- Fire 離
What hexagram 49 means
Gé shows fire in a lake: two forces that transform each other. It is revolution, fundamental change like an animal shedding its coat. The traditional advice is that change is believed only when its time has come. Prepare well, act at the right moment and make sure others understand why.
Hexagram 49 in daily life
At work
Time for fundamental change. Build the case, gather support and choose your moment.
In relationships
The relationship is transforming. Discuss what is changing openly.
For yourself
Change yourself deeply, not just on the surface.
The six changing lines
If your cast included changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read the matching lines below. Line 1 is the bottom line.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | Wrapped in yellow oxhide: hold firm and wait. The time isn't ripe. |
| Line 2 | When your day comes, make the change. Good fortune, no blame. |
| Line 3 | Rushing brings misfortune. When talk of change has gone round three times, commit, and people will trust it. |
| Line 4 | Regret disappears. With sincerity, changing the system brings good fortune. |
| Line 5 | The great person changes like a tiger: bold and clear. Trust is there even before asking. |
| Line 6 | The wise person changes like a panther; others change their faces. Don't push further; settle down. |
The two trigrams
The lower trigram, Fire 離 (Lí), stands for your inner state and the root of the situation. The upper trigram, Lake 兌 (Duì), stands for the outer circumstances. In element terms this is Metal over Fire. Fire is the trigram of Kua 9 and Lake is the trigram of Kua 7.
Related hexagrams
- Opposite (every line changed): 4. Méng 蒙 · Youthful Folly
- Inverted (read upside down): 50. Dǐng 鼎 · The Cauldron
- Trigrams swapped: 38. Kuí 睽 · Opposition
Questions to reflect on
- What must fundamentally change?
- Has the moment really come?
- Have I built enough understanding and support?
Our line summaries are written in plain English in our own words, based on the traditional meanings. For reflection and entertainment, not prediction or professional advice.