I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 51 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 20

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 51.1.4.5.6 -> 20

Old Yin Old Yin Old Yang Young Yin Young Yin Old Yang

51. The Arousing

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yin Yin

20. Contemplation

51. The Arousing (震 Zhèn)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 51

Hexagram 震 (Zhèn) represents the arousing power of thunder. This hexagram speaks of sudden shocks or disturbances that cause fear but also inspire movement and change. Success comes from responding to challenges with clarity and decisive action.

Hexagram 51 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"震，亨。震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。"
(Zhèn, hēng. Zhèn lái xì xì, xiào yán yǎ yǎ. Zhèn jīng bǎi lǐ, bù sàng bǐ chàng.)
English Translation:
“The Arousing. Success. Thunder comes with a terrifying roar. Laughter and conversation follow. The shock spreads over a hundred miles, but the sacrificial vessels are not spilled.”

This hexagram advises staying calm and composed in the face of sudden challenges or shocks. While the initial disturbance may cause fear, success comes from remaining centered and not letting the shock disrupt important matters.

Hexagram 51 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"洊雷，震。君子以恐懼修省。"
(Jiàn léi, zhèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ kǒng jù xiū xǐng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder repeated: The image of The Arousing. The superior person examines themselves with fear and caution.”

The image of repeated thunder symbolizes the need to stay alert and cautious. The superior person, like thunder, remains aware of potential dangers and uses self-examination to avoid mistakes. Caution leads to success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震來虩虩，後笑言啞啞，吉。"
(Zhèn lái xì xì, hòu xiào yán yǎ yǎ, jí.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes with a terrifying roar. Later, laughter and conversation. Good fortune.”

This line describes a situation where a sudden shock causes fear, but once the danger has passed, people relax and laugh. It advises remaining calm and composed during disturbances, as good fortune follows.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震遂泥。"
(Zhèn suì ní.)
English Translation:
“Thunder terrifies, but then it comes to rest in the mud.”

This line speaks of a situation where fear is initially overwhelming, but the danger soon passes and things settle. It advises remaining calm, as the disturbance is temporary and will resolve without lasting harm.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震往來厲，億無喪，有事。"
(Zhèn wǎng lái lì, yì wú sàng, yǒu shì.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes and goes dangerously. A hundred thousand coins are not lost. There is something to do.”

This line describes repeated disturbances that cause fear but ultimately no loss. It advises staying alert and ready for action, as there is still work to be done despite the challenges.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震索索，視矍矍，征凶，震不于其躬，于其鄰，無咎，婚媾有言。"
(Zhèn suǒ suǒ, shì jué jué, zhēng xiōng, zhèn bù yú qí gōng, yú qí lín, wú jiù, hūn gòu yǒu yán.)
English Translation:
“Thunder terrifies, eyes stare with fear. Going forward brings misfortune. The thunder strikes not oneself, but one’s neighbor. No blame. There are words in marriage.”

This line speaks of fear and disturbance affecting those nearby, but not oneself. It advises avoiding unnecessary action, as going forward brings misfortune. There may be tension or conflict in relationships, symbolized by the words in marriage.

Changing to:

20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 20

Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.

Hexagram 20 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"觀，盥而不薦，有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
English Translation:
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”

This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.

Hexagram 20 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行地上，觀。先王以省方，觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”

The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team