What this change means
The first line moves, and the Earth beneath turns to Thunder, so the figure shakes twice over. This line is the heart of the reading, and its warning is blunt: delight that makes itself heard brings misfortune. In practical terms, a venture that ignores other people's well-being tends to fail, however much enthusiasm drives it. Loud excitement about your own plans can set things off badly. The resulting hexagram, 51 Shock, shows what may follow: unexpected events that would frighten many people, and the value of staying calm and composed when they arrive. Put together, the move asks you to check your passion before it becomes noise. Who else does your plan affect, and have you thought about them? If something jolts you, don't answer with more noise. Look inward, steady yourself, and adjust the venture so it serves more than you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 16 Passion
Your ventures need to consider the well-being of others; otherwise they won't succeed.
Delight that makes itself heard. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 16 Passion
A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.
It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.
- 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 → 16 Passionline 1
Other transformations of Passion
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.