Hexagram 49: Revolution (Molting) (革 Gé) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 49 (革 Revolution (Molting))?

I Ching Hexagram 49, 革 (Gé), represents Revolution (Molting). It is formed by Lake (兌 Duì) above, Fire (離 Lí) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 49 mean?

The Image states: 'Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution. Thus the superior man sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 49 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Revolution (Molting) manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 49 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 49 (Revolution (Molting)) follows Hexagram 48 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

革

Gé — Hexagram 49

Revolution (Molting)

Lake (兌 Duì) above, Fire (離 Lí) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 49, 革 (Gé), represents Revolution (Molting). Formed by Lake (兌 Duì) above, Fire (離 Lí) below, this hexagram teaches about revolution (molting). The core message: Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 49 is formed by Lake (兌 Duì) above, Fire (離 Lí) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Revolution. On your own day you are believed. Supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears.

— I Ching, Revolution (Molting)

The Image

Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution. Thus the superior man sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.

Line 2: Line 2: When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No blame.

Line 3: Line 3: Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, one may commit himself, and men will believe him.

Line 4: Line 4: Remorse disappears. Men believe him. Changing the form of government brings good fortune.

Line 5: Line 5: The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle, he is believed.

Line 6: Line 6: The superior man changes like a panther. The inferior man molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering and still brings good fortune.

Modern Application

Hexagram 49 is about radical transformation — the kind that happens when an old order has exhausted itself and something new must emerge. The image of fire under a lake captures the paradox: fire and water should cancel each other, but when they meet in revolution, they create steam that powers change. The hexagram teaches that revolution requires right timing (your 'own day'), earned trust, and careful preparation. It distinguishes between authentic transformation and mere rebellion. In modern life, Revolution applies to career changes, organizational restructuring, personal transformation, and any situation where the old must be shed for the new to emerge.

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