What this change means
Thunder doubles as three lines change, the first, second and top, and the uneasy calm before crossing is broken by a jolt. Both judgments share the reading. The starting hexagram describes success gathering with some things not yet in place, and the risk of immature errors, even after you've gotten what you want. The resulting hexagram, 51 Shock, speaks of unexpected events that would frighten others, and asks you to keep control and act calmly; that composure lets you succeed where others fail. Together they say the last stretch may bring surprises. That's when immature mistakes are most likely. Prepare for the unexpected, and when it comes, don't panic or hesitate. Hold your composure and respond steadily. A calm response to a sudden shake-up can settle the very pieces that were still missing.
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 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
- 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 64 Transition
If you rush for results instead of doing things step by step, you'll lose your way.
Wets its tail. Distress.
- Line 2 of 64 Transition
Patience, and waiting to act at the right moment, matter, but while you wait, get ready.
Drags back on its wheels. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 6 of 64 Transition
You'll have success and tangible results. You can relax, have fun and share what you've achieved with others, but don't overdo it: any excess will lead to loss.
There is sincere trust in drinking wine. No fault. If the head gets wet, trust loses its measure.
The trigrams
The way back
51 Shock → 64 Transitionlines 1, 2, and 6
Other transformations of Transition
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, and 3
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 1, 3, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 2, 3, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 1, 2, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 3, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 4, and 5
- 20Observinglines 2, 4, and 5
- 57Gentlenesslines 3, 4, and 5
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 3, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 2, 3, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 4, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 4, and 6
- 46Going Uplines 3, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 1, 5, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 2, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 3, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.