I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 51 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 51.2.3.5.6 -> 1
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
"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.)
“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
"洊雷，震。君子以恐懼修省。"
(Jiàn léi, zhèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ kǒng jù xiū xǐng.)
“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
"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.)
“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
"震蘇蘇，震行無眚。"
(Zhèn sū sū, zhèn xíng wú shěng.)
“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 5 Changing
"震往來厲，億無喪，有事。"
(Zhèn wǎng lái lì, yì wú sàng, yǒu shì.)
“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
"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.)
“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:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”
The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.
Hexagram 1 Image
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”
The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team