Basic Information
- Hexagram Name：Ge (Revolution) Hexagram
- Sequence：No. 49
- Composition：
- Attribute：Yin–Yang in Mutual Support
- Line Code：101110
Hexagram Image — Detailed Explanation
1) Original Text
Ge: On the Ji day there is trust; great success. Favorable to be steadfast and upright; regret vanishes.
2) Image (Xiang)
Image: Fire within the lake—Ge (Revolution). The noble person thereby regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.
3) Judgment (Tuan)
Judgment: Ge—water and fire bring each other to rest. Two maidens dwell together, yet their wills are not in accord—hence change. “On the Ji day there is trust”—change and thereby gain belief. Cultured brightness joined with joy; great success through correctness. When change fits the time, regret vanishes. Heaven and earth undergo change and the four seasons are formed; Tang and Wu made revolution, following Heaven and responding to humanity—great indeed is the timing and meaning of Ge!
Explanation of the Hexagram Text
Core Meaning (Key Points)
- “Ge” — change in season：When contradiction reaches the limit, change is due; follow the trend to open a new chapter.
- “On the Ji day there is trust” — timing and integrity：Wait until the right day to act, and ground change in trustworthiness—hearts settle naturally.
- “Great success, favorable to be upright” — begin change by the right：With upright stance and proper path, transformation becomes smooth and endures.
- “Regret vanishes” — cadence well handled：When direction, pacing, and method all fit, later troubles dissolve of themselves.
Line Statements — Explanation
Initial Nine
Reinforce with the hide of a yellow ox.
释义：First consolidate the base—use the most reliable means to steady the chassis. At the outset of reform, prize steadiness over display.
《象》曰：Reinforcing with a yellow ox—this is not a time for grand deeds.
象传释义：The emphasis now is on consolidation and restraint; not yet the moment to make a big splash—stabilize first, then advance.
Six in the Second
On the Ji day then change it; setting forth is auspicious, no blame.
释义：Act only when the “right day” arrives—then the push proceeds smoothly and without fault. Reading the time well halves the effort.
《象》曰：Changing on the Ji day—the conduct is commendable.
象传释义：Seize the good timing, move by due process—the result is praiseworthy.
Nine in the Third
Setting out is ominous; correctness is perilous. Change your proposals three times and there will be trust.
释义：Rash advance brings danger; even with rectitude, be on guard. Major adjustments require repeated proof and full communication to gather consensus through integrity.
《象》曰：Change the words three times—what more need be asked about the way forward?
象传释义：After rounds of refinement and convergence of views, the direction clarifies and implementation steadies.
Nine in the Fourth
Regret vanishes; with trust, changing the mandate is auspicious.
释义：Advance a key alteration with sincerity and credibility—this can reverse the situation and turn danger into safety.
《象》曰：The auspiciousness of changing the mandate lies in trusted resolve.
象传释义：With firm aim and public trust, support gathers and real good fortune arrives.
Nine in the Fifth
The great man changes like a tiger; without divination there is trust.
释义：Those in high position bring qualitative change by virtue and courage—no need to consult oracles; people trust of themselves.
《象》曰：The great man’s tiger-change—its patterns are resplendent.
象传释义：Leadership transforms as a tiger renewing its stripes—character and ability shine and hearts are won.
Top Six
The gentleman changes like a leopard; the petty man alters his face. Setting out is ominous; dwelling in rectitude is auspicious.
释义：The gentleman’s change is from within; the petty man’s is only skin-deep. Stop and hold to rightness now; do not rush out—calm steadiness proves more auspicious.
《象》曰：The gentleman’s leopard-change—its patterns are lush. The petty man’s changed face—he merely yields to follow the ruler.
象传释义：True transformation begins in the heart; outward compliance alone is unreliable—lead with the right Way.
Overall Symbolism
1. Change with the Time
Follow the larger trend, people’s hearts, and natural law; at the fitting node, make the necessary change to open new ground and establish new merit.
2. Begin Change by the Right
Let the right Way be the yardstick—open and transparent, procedurally proper—thus resistance lessens and durability is secured.
3. Steady First, Advance Next
First secure the foundation, then push the key links; grasp rhythm and sequence to avoid backsliding from haste.
4. People-Centered Governance
Change is not for bravado but for broader benefit; communicate with integrity, build consensus, and implement step by step.
Modern Applications
A. Career & Organization
- Strategic transformation: secure the base first, then seize the timing to break through the main track.
- Mechanism upgrade: tidy the process before going live—roll out steadily, not chaotically.
- Change communication: clear goals, clear cadence, symmetric information.
B. Personal Growth
- Career pivot: assess timing and conditions—leap only when fully prepared.
- Capability upgrade: fill short boards first, then extend long boards for structural improvement.
- Work style: seek truth and pragmatism over slogans; actions measurable, results reviewable.
C. Team & Governance
- Consensus building: for major adjustments, hold three or more rounds of communication and review—finalize, then execute.
- Pilot first: validate in a small scope before full roll-out.
- Risk guardrails: set stop-loss points, review points, and correction mechanisms.
Insights from Ge
“Ge” is not change for its own sake, but doing what benefits the whole at the right time and in the right way. Hold to the right to set your heart; act with timely discernment; steady first then advance; gather strength through trust—thus regret can be dispelled, momentum can form, and a new situation can be opened.