I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 51 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 5

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 51.2.3.4.5 -> 5

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

51. The Arousing

Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang Yang

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震來厲，億喪貝，跻于九陵，勿逐，七日得。"
(Zhèn lái lì, yì sàng bèi, jī yú jiǔ líng, wù zhú, qī rì dé.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes dangerously. A hundred thousand coins are lost. Climbing up the nine hills, do not chase. In seven days, it is recovered.”

This line describes a shock that causes great loss, symbolized by the coins. However, by staying calm and not chasing after what is lost, recovery happens naturally within time. It advises patience and trust in the process.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"震蘇蘇，震行無眚。"
(Zhèn sū sū, zhèn xíng wú shěng.)
English Translation:
“Repeated thunder frightens. Moving forward brings no misfortune.”

This line describes repeated shocks that cause fear. However, by continuing to move forward and not letting fear control one's actions, there is no misfortune. It advises courage and resilience in the face of challenges.

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.

Changing to:

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team