Also known as Revolution, Molting, Radical Change, Overthrowing.
The character 革 means an animal's hide, and by extension shedding it: molting, then revolution. Hexagram 49 is about deep change, the kind that replaces an old form with a new one. It works only when the time is right, the need is real and people can see it.
The figure
Lake over Fire. Fire below and water above fight each other: the fire dries the lake, or the water puts out the fire. One must give way. It is the reverse of hexagram 50.
The judgment
It is believed only on the day it actually happens. It begins, opens, pays and holds, and the regret goes.
Change made too early isn't believed. Wait for your day, act from real need, and the trust follows the results.
The image
Fire down inside the marsh, the two working against each other. Fix the calendar and make the seasons plain.
The seasons change on a pattern. Change in people's lives is easier to accept when its timing is clear and well marked.
The six lines
Counted from the bottom, the way the figure is built when you cast it.
- Line 1, at the bottom. Wrapped tight in tough yellow cowhide. It isn't time yet; hold firm and don't move.
- Line 2. When your day comes, make the change. Going forward goes well.
- Line 3. Rushing in goes badly, and so does clinging to the old way. Once the case for change has been made three times and heard, act, and people will trust you.
- Line 4. Regret fades, people believe you, and changing the old order goes well.
- Line 5. The great person transforms like a tiger, boldly and visibly. People trust them before any question is put to the oracle.
- Line 6, at the top. The wise person changes like a leopard, finishing the details. Ordinary people change their faces at least. Don't push further now; steadiness goes well.
Reading it for a question
Hexagram 49 says a real change is due. Make sure it's needed and that the timing is right. Explain it, act decisively when the moment comes, and then let things settle.