Hexagram 51
The Arousing (Zhèn)
Above: Thunder · Below: Thunder
The thunder is frightening, but you'll laugh afterwards
Video
The judgment
When the thunder comes you are startled, but afterwards there is talk and laughter. The thunder shakes for a hundred miles, yet nothing slips from your hands.
The Image: Thunder upon thunder: the arousing. So the noble person, with awe and caution, sets their life in order and examines themselves.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Thunder rolling again and again; rouse yourself and strive. Hard first, easy later; bitter first, then sweet.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
… Good for crossing by boat; ferrying over rivers and seas, with no fear of drowning.
A good time to cross the water by boat — even over great rivers and seas, there is no fear of drowning.
Takashima
- On fortune: your luck is starting to move — guard against it going too far. Be careful and hold yourself in, and you can avoid losses.
- On trade: goods that have been piling up will all sell at once.
Five common questions
Timing
Luck stirring; stay careful and restrained
Health
Calm your nerves; watch your blood pressure
Money
Old stock suddenly sells
Home
Neighbors building; keep things secure
Love
Eldest son and daughter; first a fright, then joy
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Nine at the beginning: Thunder comes — fear and trembling! Then talk and laughter. Good fortune.
- Six in the second place: Thunder comes with danger. Ten thousand times one loses one's goods. Climb the nine hills; do not chase after them. In seven days you will get them back.
- Six in the third place: Thunder leaves one dazed. If the shock makes one act, there is no harm.
- Nine in the fourth place: Thunder bogged down in the mud.
- Six in the fifth place: Thunder coming and going — danger. Yet nothing at all is lost; there is work to be done.
- Six at the top: Thunder brings shaking and staring about in alarm. Setting out brings misfortune. If the thunder strikes not oneself but one's neighbor, no blame. There will be talk about the marriage.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.