Hexagram 49
KoRevolution
Lake (Dui) · Fire (Li)
The image
Fire in the lake: the image of REVOLUTION. Thus the superior man Sets the calendar in order And makes the seasons clear.
This hexagram in one line
The Chinese character for this hexagram means in its original sense an animal's pelt, which is changed in the course of the year by molting. From this the word is carried over to apply to the “moltings” in political life, the great revolutions connected with changes of governments. The two trigrams making up the hexagram are the same two that appear in K'uei, OPPOSITION (38), that is, the two younger daughters, Li and Tui. But while there the elder of the two daughters is above, and what results is essentially only an opposition of tendencies, here the younger daughter is above. The influences are in actual conflict, and the forces combat each other like fire and water (lake), each trying to destroy the other. Hence the idea of revolution.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Fire changes lake
Hexagram Judgment
REVOLUTION. On your own day You are believed. Supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears.
Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone is called to this task, but only the man who has the confidence of the people, and even he only when the time is ripe. He must then proceed in the right way, so that he gladdens the people and, by enlightening them, prevents excesses. Furthermore, he must be quite free of selfish aims and must really relieve the need of the people. Only then does he have nothing to regret. Times change, and with them their demands. Thus the seasons change in the course of the year. In the world cycle also there are spring and autumn in the life of peoples and nations, and these call for social transformations.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
- Fire (Li)
- Fire · Clinging
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Revolution means that water and fire extinguish each other. Two daughters dwell together, but their wills do not work together—hence the name Revolution. On your own day you are believed: through revolution comes trust. Clear and joyful, great success through the right. When revolution is appropriate, remorse disappears. Heaven and earth revolutionize themselves, and thus the four seasons are formed. Tang and Wu revolutionized, obeying heaven and responding to the people. The time of Revolution is truly great.
Revolution means water and fire extinguish each other. When two daughters dwell together but their wills do not align, revolution occurs. Being believed on your own day comes through revolution. Clarity and joy bring great success through rightness.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Fire in the lake: the image of REVOLUTION. Thus the superior man Sets the calendar in order And makes the seasons clear.
Fire below and the lake above combat and destroy each other. So too in the course of the year a combat takes place between the forces of light and the forces of darkness, eventuating in the revolution of the seasons. Man masters these changes in nature by noting their regularity and marking off the passage of time accordingly. In this way order and clarity appear in the apparently chaotic changes of the seasons, and man is able to adjust himself in advance to the demands of the different times.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 49 (Revolution [Molting]) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 49 (Revolution [Molting]) reveal about love and relationships? Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 49 (Revolution [Molting]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 49 (Revolution [Molting]) mean for your career? Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ko / Revolution mean in the I Ching?
Political revolutions are extremely grave matters. They should be undertaken only under stress of direst necessity, when there is no other way out. Not everyone...
How should I study Hexagram 49 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Changes ought to be undertaken only when there is nothing else to be done. Therefore at first the utmost restraint is necessary. One must become firm in one's mind, control oneself...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Revolution means water and fire extinguish each other. When two daughters dwell together but their wills do not align, revolution occurs. Being believed on your own day comes through revolution. Clarity and joy bring gre...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.