ChineseStudy

49. Ge | Revolution

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English translation

Ge / Revolution: By the proper time, trust is established. Great progress follows; right conduct is fitting, and regret is removed.

This is the judgment of Ge (Revolution), setting the overall situation and guiding principle for the whole hexagram. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

First Nine: At the beginning, use the hide of a yellow ox in the work of change.

The first line is the lowest position, where a situation is just beginning and its strength is still forming. The image should be read as a concrete way of describing the situation before choosing how to act.

Second Six: Change should be made on the proper day. Marching outward is auspicious and leaves no blame.

The second line often suggests a central and emerging position: no longer hidden, but not yet in command. “no blame” means avoiding fault, not necessarily winning great success; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction.

Third Nine: Going out is dangerous and caution is needed in steadyness. Speak of reform fully and repeatedly, and do so with sincerity.

The third line stands at the end of the lower trigram, where effort and pressure increase and caution becomes important. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “misfortune” marks serious risk; “danger” calls for vigilance.

Fourth Nine: Regret disappears. With sincerity, one can change the given destiny, and that is fortunate.

The fourth line enters the upper trigram and marks a threshold between holding back and advancing. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “regret” or “difficulty” points to trouble caused by an ill-measured action.

Fifth Nine: A great person makes a tiger-like transformation, but there is no sign of confirmed sincerity in the omen.

The fifth line is near the honored position, where influence can be exercised if power remains aligned with what is right. “sincerity” points to trustworthiness and inner confidence.

Top Six: A noble person transforms deeply, while a small person only changes appearance. Marching is dangerous, but steadfast uprightness is auspicious.

The top line is the end of the hexagram's movement, often warning about excess, culmination, or the need to change course. “constancy” means holding to what is correct over time; “auspicious” indicates a favorable direction; “misfortune” marks serious risk.

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