I Ching hexagram
51. Shock
震Zhèn
Thunder over Thunder
Also called The Arousing, Thunder, The Symbol of Startling Movement, Shake, The Beginning of Movement, Shocking, The Thunderclap, Action, Motion, Sudden Change, Surprise! "The necessity to keep tranquil in the midst of upheaval." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 51, Shock (震 Zhèn) is formed by Thunder over Thunder. It is also known as The Arousing, Thunder, The Symbol of Startling Movement, Shake, The Beginning of Movement, Shocking, The Thunderclap, Action.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
亨。震來虩虩，笑言啞啞。震驚百里，不喪匕鬯。
Shock intimates ease and development. When the time of movement which it indicates comes, the subject of the hexagram will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement like a crash of thunder terrifies all within a hundred miles, he will be like the sincere worshipper who is not startled into dropping his ladle and cup of sacrificial spirits.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yang
震來虩虩，後笑言啞啞，吉。
An unexpected situation may cause you fear, as it feels threatening. However, this challenging experience will eventually pass, bringing relief and good fortune.
- Line 2Yin
震來厲，億喪貝，躋于九陵，勿逐，七日得。
A major upheaval may lead to significant losses. Instead of resisting, it's better to distance yourself from the chaos. In time, you will recover.
- Line 3Yin
震蘇蘇，震行无眚。
An external challenge will test your inner strength. It's crucial to stay calm and seek a way to navigate through the danger.
- Line 4Yang
震遂泥。
The shocking event may leave you feeling paralyzed, resulting from confusion and lack of preparedness. Progress is impossible under such conditions.
- Line 5Yin
震往來厲，億无喪，有事。
The shocks will keep coming, presenting you with ongoing troubles. You can endure these times by adapting to change, maintaining your balance both internally and externally.
- Line 6Yin
震索索，視矍矍，征凶。震不于其躬，于其鄰，无咎。婚媾有言。
The current times are filled with shocking events that disrupt society. You cannot face these challenges alone, and many are too bewildered to respond correctly. Stepping back is the best option, even if it means facing criticism from those who don’t understand your choice.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 51 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.