géAlso known as “Revolution” (Wilhelm/Baynes) and “Ko” (Legge)
revolutionreformmolting
In plain words
Fire in the lake: two that extinguish each other — change is forced. A revolution is believed only after it is done; supreme success when the time is ripe and the cause is right.
The attitude it asks for
Change only when necessary, time it well, and carry people with you; a good reform ends regrets rather than creating them.
(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.
In Ko (we see) water and fire extinguishing each other; (we see also) two daughters dwelling together, but with their minds directed to different objects:—(on account of these things) it is called (the hexagram of) Change.
'It is believed in (only) after it has been accomplished:'—when the change has been made, faith is accorded to it. (We have) cultivated intelligence (as the basis of) pleased satisfaction, (suggesting) 'great progress and success,' coming from what is correct. When change thus takes place in the proper way, 'occasion for repentance disappears.'
Heaven and earth undergo their changes, and the four seasons complete their functions. Thang changed the appointment (of the line of Hsiâ to the throne), and Wû (that of the line of Shang), in accordance with (the will of) Heaven, and in response to (the wishes of) men. Great indeed is what takes place in a time of change.
The Image
澤中有火，革；君子以治歷明時。
(The trigram representing the waters of) a marsh and that for fire in the midst of them form Ko. The superior man, in accordance with this, regulates his (astronomical) calculations, and makes clear the seasons and times.
爻辭 The six lines
When one line moves, the hexagram becomes another:
上六Six at the top
君子豹變，小人革面，征凶，居貞吉。
The sixth line, divided, shows the superior man producing his changes as the leopard (does when he) changes (his spots), while small men change their faces (and show their obedience). To go forward (now) would lead to evil, but there will be good fortune in abiding firm and correct.
Its symbolism
君子豹變，其文蔚也。小人革面，順以從君也。
'The superior man produces his changes as the leopard does when he changes his spots:'—their beauty becomes more elegant. 'Small men change their faces:'—they show themselves prepared to follow their ruler.
The fifth line, undivided, shows the great man (producing his changes) as the tiger (does when he) changes (his stripes). Before he divines (and proceeds to action), faith has been reposed in him.
Its symbolism
大人虎變，其文炳也。
'The great man produces his changes as the tiger does when he changes his stripes:'—their beauty becomes more brilliant.
The fourth line, undivided, shows occasion for repentance disappearing (from its subject). Let him be believed in; and though he change (existing) ordinances, there will be good fortune.
Its symbolism
改命之吉，信志也。
'The good fortune consequent on changing (existing) ordinances' is due to the faith reposed in his aims.
The third line, undivided, shows that action taken by its subject will be evil. Though he be firm and correct, his position is perilous. If the change (he contemplates) have been three times fully discussed, he will be believed in.
Its symbolism
革言三就，又何之矣。
'The change (contemplated) has been three times fully discussed:'—to what else should attention (now) be directed?
Shown in the classical Chinese with James Legge's English (1882).
Questions about this hexagram
What does Hexagram 49, Reform, mean?
Fire in the lake: two that extinguish each other — change is forced. A revolution is believed only after it is done; supreme success when the time is ripe and the cause is right.
Which trigrams form Reform?
兌 above 離 — lake over fire. Its nuclear hexagram (lines 2–5) is 姤 Encounter.
What happens when a line of Reform changes?
A moving line turns the hexagram into another one; the list above shows all six. With several moving lines, the guide to changing lines explains which text to read.
How do I get Reform in a reading?
Build six lines from the bottom up with three coins or yarrow stalks; the pattern — - - — — — - - is Reform. You can also cast a reading here — the lines are decided by code, the text is this page's.