Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Revolution
Hexagram 49 of the Yi Jing · 革 Gé
The figure
The Lake above Fire: water and fire fighting and transforming each other. The image of revolution, of necessary, deep change.
What this figure illuminates
Revolution lights up the moments when a fundamental change becomes necessary, when the old can no longer last. But overturning is only right when ripe: too soon, it is agitation; at the right time, a necessity.
For a decision, the figure questions the timing of change: “is what I want to transform truly ripe for it, and am I acting from conviction or impatience?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Revolution: it is trusted only once it is done. Great progress; it furthers to be firm and correct, and then all cause for regret disappears.
The Image
Fire within the lake — two forces that undo each other, and time itself turns. Seeing this, the noble person orders the calendar and makes the seasons clear.
The Six Lines
- First line
Bound fast in yellow oxhide — the moment to change has not yet come. Hold still; do not act too soon.
- Second line
When the day is fully ripe, then make the change. Acting now is fortunate, and no error.
- Third line
To force the change now brings misfortune, and even upright the ground is dangerous. Let it be weighed and spoken three times over, and then you are believed.
- Fourth line
Regret dissolves. Trusted now, you may change even the old order — good fortune.
- Fifth line
The great one transforms as clearly as a tiger renews its stripes — the change unmistakable, believed before it is even declared.
- Sixth line
The wise change deeply, like the leopard's spots; lesser folk change only their faces, outwardly falling in. Push further now and it turns to harm — rest firm in the new order, and good fortune.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
Is what you want to change ripe, or are you acting from impatience?
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