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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 51.4.5 -> 3

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

51. The Arousing

Yin Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang

3. Difficulty at the Beginning

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 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:

3. Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 3

Hexagram 屯 (Zhūn) symbolizes difficulty and confusion at the beginning of a new venture. It represents the struggles encountered at the outset of creation or development. Like sprouting seeds pushing through the soil, progress is slow, uncertain, and requires persistence. Zhūn encourages perseverance in the face of obstacles and advises careful planning and patience in the early stages. This hexagram illustrates that chaos often precedes order, and that new beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential once obstacles are overcome.

Hexagram 3 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞，勿用有攸往，利建侯。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn hóu.)
English Translation:
“Sublime success. Perseverance furthers. Do not act in haste; it is favorable to establish lords.”

The judgment emphasizes that despite the initial difficulties, success is possible through perseverance. Acting hastily or impulsively is discouraged. The mention of establishing lords represents the need for careful organization, strategic planning, and forming alliances. It suggests the importance of solid foundations before advancing, as well as surrounding oneself with trusted individuals or a supportive network in times of hardship.

Hexagram 3 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云雷，屯。君子以经纶。"
(Yún léi, zhūn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jīng lún.)
English Translation:
“Clouds and thunder: Difficulty at the beginning. The superior man brings order out of confusion.”

The image of clouds and thunder signifies the chaotic and tumultuous energy of the early stages of development. Clouds gather but do not yet produce rain, while thunder rumbles without lightning—a metaphor for potential that has not yet materialized. The superior man acts with wisdom and foresight, organizing and directing these chaotic forces toward a structured outcome. The lesson here is to remain patient and focused, trusting that with deliberate action, chaos can be transformed into order.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team