What this change means
Thunder echoes on thunder: with the first, fourth and top lines moving, The Fall becomes 51 Shock. The two judgments weigh the same. The first describes a time of obstacles and lost credibility, when lesser people use power badly and the wise course is not to push but to be generous with those beneath you. The second speaks of sudden, unexpected events that would frighten others, and asks you to stay in control, calm and composed. Taken together, they suggest that the slow erosion may end in a jolt, something abrupt that shakes the situation. Don't let fear decide for you. Keep your composure, look inward, and act calmly where others panic. That steadiness is what can let you succeed where others fail, and it may finally earn you the trust you lacked.
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 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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 23 The Fall
Your enemies have the power now and use any means to damage your image, even slander. All you can do is keep your inner strength and wait for better times.
The bed is stripped at the legs. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
- Line 4 of 23 The Fall
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.
The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.
- Line 6 of 23 The Fall
Little by little the adverse situations will give way, and gradually adversity will turn into opportunity.
A great fruit left uneaten. The noble person gains a carriage; the petty person's hut is stripped.
The trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 23 The Falllines 1, 4, and 6
Other transformations of The Fall
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 2, and 3
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 2, and 4
- 30The Flamelines 1, 3, and 4
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 4
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 2, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 1, 3, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 2, 3, and 5
- 25Innocencelines 1, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 2, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 3, 4, and 5
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 2, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 1, 3, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 2, 3, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 3, 4, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 1, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 2, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 3, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.