Outline（大纲）
- Hexagram Identification
- Keywords
- Historical Context
- Core Interpretation
- Symbolic Representation
- Qualities and Attributes
- Line-by-Line Analysis
- Comparative Analogies
- Related Resources
- Modern Relevance & Guidance
- Essence Summary
Hexagram Identification
- Number: 49
- Chinese Name (Pinyin): 革 (Gé)
- English Name: Revolution
- Symbol & Structure: ䷰ (Lí 离 below, Duì 兑 above). The lower trigram Lí represents Fire (火 huǒ, energy, transformation), and the upper trigram Duì represents Lake (泽 zé, joy, reflection). Together, they form “Lake over Fire” (泽火革 zé huǒ gé), symbolizing transformative change—fire drying up a lake or lake quenching fire, reflecting the need to alter outdated structures for renewal.
Keywords
- Revolution (革): Radical yet justified transformation
- Timing (时): Acting when conditions demand change
- Courageous Renewal (勇敢革新): Letting go of the old for the new
- Adaptation (适应): Shifting to align with evolving reality
- Visionary Leadership (远见领导): Guiding change with clarity
- Transformative Justice (变革正义): Changing systems for the common good
- Creative Destruction (创造性破坏): Ending stagnation to enable growth
- Rebirth (重生): Emerging stronger after upheaval
Historical Context
Gé appears as the 49th hexagram in the I Ching, following Jǐng (The Well, 48th hexagram) and preceding Dìng (Stability, 50th hexagram). Its name “革” means “to reform,” “to transform,” or “to revolutionize,” focusing on the principles of legitimate change when the time is ripe. The judgment “Gé: 巳日乃孚，元亨利贞，悔亡” (“Revolution: On the”si”day, trust is gained. Great prosperity, correctness. Regret vanishes”) emphasizes that successful revolution requires timing, trust, and ethical purpose.
Classic interpretations include:
- Wang Bi (魏晋・王弼) in Commentary on the I Ching (《周易注》) stressed “change that aligns with heaven’s will” (顺天应人 shùn tiān yìng rén), arguing that revolutions must be both natural and just.
- Kong Yingda (唐・孔颖达) in Zhouyi 正义 (《周易正义》) linked the hexagram to historical upheavals like King Tang overthrowing Jie and King Wu defeating Zhou, symbolizing “righteous revolution” (汤武革命 tāng wǔ gé mìng).
- Zhu Xi (宋・朱熹) in The Meaning of the I Ching (《周易本义》) emphasized “thorough transformation” (彻底变革 chè dǐ biàn gé), advising that change must be complete to avoid half-measures.
Historically, Gé guided discussions on political reform, social justice, and personal transformation, highlighting the balance between necessity and wisdom in change.
Core Interpretation
Gé embodies the principle of “timely transformation for renewal”. Lí’s Fire (Yang, dynamic energy) below seeks to rise, while Duì’s Lake (Yin, reflective stillness) above represents the old order needing change. The hexagram’s structure—with three Yang lines (initiating change) and three Yin lines (resisting or adapting)—reflects the tension between the urge to transform and the pull of stability.
- Yin-Yang Dynamics: The 2nd Yang line (九二) and 5th Yang line (九五) form the core of effective change: 九二 symbolizes preparing for revolution, while 九五 represents decisive, righteous leadership. The 4th Yin line (九四) warns against premature action, emphasizing that timing (时 shí) is crucial.
- Five Elements: Lí (Fire) belongs to 火 huǒ, Duì (Lake) to 金 jīn. Fire melts Metal (火克金 huǒ kè jīn), symbolizing that transformative energy (Fire) can reshape rigid structures (Metal), but must be controlled to avoid destruction.
Symbolic Representation
Natural Symbolism
- Lake over Fire (泽火): A lake drying up due to intense heat (Fire), or fire being quenched by rain from a lake—nature’s way of resetting balance, like a forest fire clearing space for new growth.
- Seasonal Change: Summer (Fire) giving way to autumn (Lake’s harvest), reflecting the inevitability of cycles and the need to adapt.
Social Symbolism
In human affairs, Gé applies to:
- Organizational Restructuring: A company overhauling outdated processes (Fire) to stay competitive (Lake’s adaptability).
- Personal Reinvention: Quitting a stable job (Lake’s stillness) to pursue a passion (Fire’s energy), embracing uncertainty for growth.
Cultural Symbolism
- Confucian Reform: The hexagram aligns with Confucius’ belief in “correcting names” (正名 zhèng míng) to restore social order, a form of incremental revolution.
- Taoist Cycle: Laozi’s “the old must die for the new to live” (推陈出新 tuī chén chū xīn) is reflected in Gé’s imagery, advocating natural cycles of destruction and rebirth.
- Artistic Metaphor: Chinese ink paintings of phoenixes rising from ashes, symbolizing rebirth through revolution, echoing the hexagram’s transformative power.
Qualities and Attributes
Gé celebrates virtues that transform chaos into renewal:
- Visionary Courage (远见勇气): Like Fire’s boldness, having the audacity to imagine a better future.
- Timely Wisdom (适时智慧): Waiting for the “巳日” (ripe moment), as a farmer waits for the right season to plant.
- Inclusive Leadership (包容领导): Leading change with empathy, ensuring no one is left behind, like a CEO involving employees in a company pivot.
- Resilient Adaptability (韧性适应): Bending without breaking, such as a community rebuilding after a disaster with newfound unity.
Line-by-Line Analysis
1st Yang Line (初九：巩用黄牛之革)
“Strengthen with yellow oxhide leather.”
Meaning: Secure foundations before 变革 —don’t rush into change.
Guidance: In a startup, solidify core values (e.g., “Define our mission statement”) before scaling.
2nd Yang Line (九二：巳日乃革之，征吉，无咎)
“On the “si” day, initiate revolution; advancing is auspicious, no blame.”
Meaning: Act when trust and timing align.
Guidance: In a team, launch a new strategy (e.g., “After consensus is reached”) for smooth adoption.
3rd Yang Line (九三：征凶，贞厉；革言三就，有孚)
“Advancing is dangerous; correct but risky. Repeated discussions build trust.”
Meaning: Thorough planning reduces resistance to change.
Guidance: In a policy change, gather feedback (e.g., “Three rounds of team meetings”) to gain buy-in.
4th Yin Line (九四：悔亡，有孚改命，吉)
“Regret vanishes; trust transforms destiny, auspicious.”
Meaning: Embrace change to rewrite your path.
Guidance: In a career shift, trust your skills (e.g., “I have the experience to switch fields”) for a successful transition.
5th Yang Line (九五：大人虎变，未占有孚)
“A great person changes like a tiger; no need for divination—trust is earned.”
Meaning: Visionary leaders inspire change through example.
Guidance: As a leader, model new behaviors (e.g., “Adopt remote work first”) to build team trust.
6th Yin Line (上六：君子豹变，小人革面；征凶，居贞吉)
“A noble person changes like a leopard; ordinary people change externally. Advancing is dangerous; staying correct is auspicious.”
Meaning: Deep transformation takes time; avoid forcing superficial change.
Guidance: In personal growth, focus on inner values (e.g., “Cultivate patience”) rather than quick fixes.
Comparative Analogies
Ecology
- Forest Fires: Natural fires (Fire) clearing dead wood, allowing new growth (Lake’s renewal), mirroring Gé’s “creative destruction.”
- Metamorphosis: A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, symbolizing the hexagram’s theme of radical, timed change.
Management
In organizational change, Gé advises “visionary pragmatism”:
- Blockbuster to Netflix: Netflix’s shift from DVDs to streaming (Fire’s boldness) when the market was ready (Duì’s timing), a classic example of Gé’s revolution.
- Agile Methodology: Iterative changes (small revolutions) in software development, aligning with the 九三爻的 “革言三就”—testing ideas before full implementation.
Psychology
- Cognitive Restructuring: Therapy techniques that replace negative thoughts (old order) with positive ones (new growth), echoing Gé’s inner revolution.
- Midlife Crisis Transformation: Reevaluating life goals (Fire’s energy) to align with deeper values (Lake’s reflection), a personal application of the hexagram.
Related Resources
- Classic Translations
- I Ching: The Book of Changes (Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, 1950) – Describes Gé as “revolution” and emphasizes the importance of timing and legitimacy in change.
- The I Ching: A New Translation (John Minford, 2014) – Highlights the hexagram’s focus on “transformative justice” and its relevance to modern social movements.
- Modern Studies
- Confucian Theories of Reform (Chen Lai, 2019) – Explores Gé’s influence on Chinese concepts of “just revolution” in political philosophy.
- Taoist Dynamics of Change (Livia Kohn, 2012) – Connects the hexagram to Taoist practices of “embracing impermanence” for spiritual growth.
- Authoritative Websites
- I Ching Online (https://www.ichingonline.net) – Offers practical strategies for navigating personal and professional revolution using Gé’s wisdom.
- Harvard Business Review – Organizational Change (https://hbr.org) – Articles on leading transformative change, aligned with the hexagram’s leadership lessons.
- Psychology Today – Personal Transformation (https://www.psychologytoday.com) – Guides to overcoming resistance to change, echoing Gé’s emphasis on timing and courage.
Modern Relevance & Guidance
Workplace & Leadership
- Timing is Key: Use the 初九爻的 “黄牛之革”—strengthen basics (e.g., “Build team trust”) before major changes like restructuring.
- Communicate Vision: Emulate the 九五爻的 “虎变”—clearly articulate the “why” of change (e.g., “This shift will make us more customer-centric”) to inspire trust.
- Incremental Reform: Follow the 九三爻的 “三就”—test changes in phases (e.g., “Pilot a new workflow with one team first”) to gather feedback.
Personal Growth
- Inner Revolution: Apply the 九四爻的 “改命”—redefine your path (e.g., “Return to school for a new career”) when your values no longer align with your life.
- Patience with Progress: Heed the 上六爻的 “豹变”—accept that deep change takes time (e.g., “Cultivate a new habit over months, not days”).
Social & Community
- Collective Action: Like the historical “汤武革命”, advocate for systemic change (e.g., “Volunteer for policy reform”) with ethical purpose, as seen in the hexagram’s “顺天应人”.
- Inclusive Change: Ensure transformations benefit all (e.g., “Design policies that support diverse needs”) to avoid the 上六爻的 “小人革面”—superficial fixes.
Risk Warning
- Avoid Premature Revolution: The hexagram cautions against the 初九爻的 recklessness—don’t force change without preparation (e.g., “Research thoroughly before quitting a job”).
- Balance Boldness and Wisdom: Don’t let Fire’s energy override Duì’s reflection (e.g., “Plan contingencies for every revolutionary step”).
Essence Summary
Gé, the Hexagram of Revolution, reveals a profound truth: true transformation is not chaos, but a sacred act of renewal—timed with the rhythms of heaven and earth, guided by wisdom, and rooted in justice. Its image of Lake over Fire teaches us that revolution is both a necessity (when the old no longer serves) and a craft (requiring patience, vision, and courage).
In a world constantly torn between the comfort of the familiar and the call of the new, Gé offers a blueprint for change: honor the past, but have the courage to transform it when the time is ripe. Whether revolutionizing an organization, reinventing yourself, or advocating for societal change, the hexagram reminds us that the most lasting transformations are those that balance the fiery energy of vision with the reflective wisdom of a still lake—changes that are not just bold, but just; not just timely, but timeless.
Ultimately, Gé celebrates the beauty of “purposeful revolution”—a dance between letting go and rising anew, between destroying what stagnates and nurturing what can flourish. It invites us to see change not as a threat, but as a promise: that from the ashes of the old, we can build something truer, stronger, and more aligned with the deepest truths of who we are and who we are meant to become.