The Meaning of Hexagram #55

Hexagram #55: Thunder over Fire

This fortuitous hexagram implies a time of clarity, prosperity and completeness. Like lightning piercing through clouds, success can strike with incredible speed and force. However, the wise person remains cautious and knows that success often comes with associated dangers. Spend your success wisely and save portions for a time of need. Abundance can come and go. Stay in contact with the person within. You are your own best kept treasure. You are what you are seeking, and always have been.

NOTE: Wondering how I Ching hexagram #55, "Fire below Thunder", is interpreted for questions about relationships? See our special Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #55

Changing Lines in Hexagram #55

Changes in Line 1

"Enjoying the Honeymoon"

With new found success comes great joy. Celebrate, by all means. But realize the future is not set. Care and prudence must not be forsaken.

Changes in Line 2

"Accepting an Eclipse"

Current problems are temporary. The light will return. Take no heed of gossip. Others may be suspicious of your success, but their opinions matter not.

Changes in Line 3

"Focusing on Stars"

Even if the sunlight is blocked by clouds, the wise person knows there are always stars still shining in the heavens, though they may not be seen. This is a time to find your true brightness within. Don't seek for it outside, in others, or in material possessions.

Changes in Line 4

"The Eclipse Still Lingers"

This is a temporary dark time. But, like a curtain that is slowly rising in a room, light is starting to return. If certain people's judgments hover around you, take refuge in your close friends. Remain in your heart and judgments will not affect you

Changes in Line 5

"Blessings Draw Near"

Congratulations! This is a time of recognition, fame and good fortune. Well

Changes in Line 6

"Avoiding Extravagance"

Enjoy your abundance, but don't' flaunt it. Better to live in a humble abode than a far away mansion. The wise person knows that deep friendship is the only true wealth.

The 2 Trigrams Inside Hexagram #55

I Ching hexagram #55 is made of two 3-line trigrams stacked on top of one another. The lower 3 lines of hexagram #55 form the trigram for Fire, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Thunder.

NOTE: An easy way to think about the two trigrams is that the hexagram's upper trigram references external forces, and the lower trigram references internal forces.

Hexagram #55's Lower Trigram of Fire

The warming trigram representing fire is sometimes known by the more classical names, 'Attachment' or 'Dependence'. The fire trigram is associated with illumination and something that is both adapted and a source of warmth and security. Fire may also point to a 'second daughter' or possibly the compass direction of 'south'.

Hexagram #55's Upper Trigram 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 #55

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.