What this change means
Thunder below and thunder above: when the first, fourth and fifth lines move, the still water over the earth turns into a double shock. The two judgments share the weight. 8 Union speaks of great, lasting constancy; the alliance that brings good fortune is the one you keep up through time, not one you make and forget.
The resulting hexagram, 51 Shock, describes sudden events that would frighten others; by keeping control and acting calmly, you can get results and succeed where others fail. These two support each other. Bonds you've tended steadily are what hold firm when something unexpected hits, and your own composure helps your allies stay steady too. Watch for panic spreading through the group. Keep your nerve, keep your commitments, and let the shaking pass. A constant alliance tends to come through a jolt stronger than before.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 8 Union
The right help will come.
There is sincere trust: join with them. No fault. Sincere trust fills the earthen jar; in the end something more arrives. Good fortune.
- Line 4 of 8 Union
Staying loyal to the people you ally with, and showing that alliance openly, helps you right now.
Joining outwardly. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 5 of 8 Union
Those who can help you will come naturally. Don't keep seeking help from someone who is reluctant to give it.
Open union. The king hunts, driving from three sides, and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople are not alarmed. Good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 8 Unionlines 1, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Union
- 5Inactionlines 1, 2, and 3
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 2, and 4
- 49Renewallines 1, 3, and 4
- 28Excesseslines 2, 3, and 4
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, and 5
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 5
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 6
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 6
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 6
- 25Innocencelines 1, 4, and 6
- 6Conflictlines 2, 4, and 6
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3, 4, and 6
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 5, and 6
- 4Immaturitylines 2, 5, and 6
- 52Abidinglines 3, 5, and 6
- 35Advancelines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.