What this change means
Thunder upon thunder: four lines move, the first, second, fifth and top, and the still lines of 51 Shock guide the reading. The third says the blows you're taking now aren't caused by fate; they come more from within, which makes things harder, and once you see this, you can correct and resolve them. The fourth says you can't see clearly what's holding you back, so your actions don't settle anything, and it's time to wait for conditions to change.
So the conflict turns out to be partly inside you. Before acting again, look at your own part in the shaking. Wait until you can see clearly. Watch for blaming circumstances or others for what starts in you, and for moves made in confusion.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 51 Shock, which stays still
The blows you're taking right now aren't caused by fate. They come more from within, and that makes things harder. Once you realize this, you'll make the corrections and resolve the situation.
Thunder that stuns and stuns. If thunder sets one going, no disaster.
- Line 4 of 51 Shock, which stays still
You can't see clearly what's holding you back, so the things you do don't settle matters. It's a time to wait until conditions change.
Thunder sinks into the mud.
- The judgment of 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 1 of 6 Conflict
Even if the situation invites gossip, holding firm is your best move.
Not dragging the matter out. A few words against; in the end, good fortune.
- Line 2 of 6 Conflict
Withdrawing in time, even if it looks cowardly, is the best move right now.
Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, slipping away; the people of the town, three hundred households, come to no harm.
- Line 5 of 6 Conflict
If you've acted rightly, whoever has to make the decisions that involve you will decide in your favor.
Lawsuit. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 6 Conflict
Insisting on being right at this moment will only make you lose.
Perhaps a belt of honor is bestowed; before the morning is out, it is stripped away three times.
- The judgment of 51 Shock
When unexpected situations come along that would frighten others, keep control and act calmly, without losing your composure. This attitude will get you results in what you want and let you succeed where others fail.
Success. Thunder comes, and there is dread; then laughter and easy talk. The thunder alarms a hundred leagues around, yet neither the ladle nor the sacrificial wine is let fall.
The trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 6 Conflictlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Conflict
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 49Renewallines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.