The Meaning of Hexagram #51

Just as a clap of thunder brings a jolt to the sky, hexagram number 51 signifies the imminence of a powerful jolt to one's life. Expect a new event, person or idea to shake up your world. This could prove to be a wonderful wake-up call. Although a layer of fear may arise at the onset of the jolt, overall this is a time when fear will transform into excitement. You will laugh amidst the chaos. Eyes once closed will now see. Shock brings a return of energy and power. Outer circumstances will be seen in a new light. New answers and new solutions will appear before you. Or perhaps they were there all along?

NOTE: Looking for answers about how I Ching hexagram #51, "Thunder over Thunder", can be applied to questions about dating, marriage and romantic issues? See iFate's special Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #51

Changing Lines in Hexagram #51

Changes in Line 1

"Shock Turns to Laughter"

Though initially you may feel like a deer caught in headlights, soon you will gain a new perspective. Your world will shift dramatically for the better. Welcome radical new ideas and viewpoints. They will naturally bubble up and surface within you.

Changes in Line 2

"Losing Treasures"

You may suddenly lose a prize possession at this time. Let this be a reminder to find the treasures within. If a friend/loved one leaves you, don't be too concerned. Trust that this change is for the highest good.

Changes in Line 3

"Awakening to Thunder"

Let the shock of new ideas burn a hole right through outdated ideas. Embrace any sense of shock and watch how it then becomes your ally. Expect to start anew.

Changes in Line 4

"Stepping out of Mud"

Some people freeze up when something radically new pierces its way into their world. If they stay frozen, this will prolong current problems. Adaptability and movement are the wise one's responses to sudden change.

Changes in Line 5

"Riding Shock Waves"

This line means to find inner stability in your own being. Don't look for it on the outside where it cannot be found. When a series of surprises happen, the wise person stays centered in themselves and trusts that the tides will soon subsid

Changes in Line 6

"Being Consciously Still"

If a shock comes

The Trigrams Within Hexagram #51

Hexagram #51 is composed of two 3-line trigrams stacked above each other. The lower three lines of hexagram #51 form the trigram for Thunder, while the top three lines form the trigram for Thunder.

NOTE: A quick rule of thumb is that the upper trigram points to external forces, while the lower trigram points to internal forces.

In the case of hexagram #51, the upper and lower trigrams are identical. One must note however, that the same trigram can point to different messages in the upper and bottom positions.

Hexagram #51's Upper and Lower Trigrams of Thunder

The enigmatic trigram representing thunder is an energetic mix of power and mystery. According to Chinese lore, thunder is often associated with the might and mystery of dragons. The trigram of thunder is also called the "The Arousing" and points to intent, motion and initiative. It is a building block of unbridled energy and forward progress. It may also refer to an 'eldest son' or the map direction north.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #51

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.