Zhen, nine at the beginningHexagram 51, line 1 · Zhen (Thunder) · changing to 16
The line
In plain wordsWhen the thunder strikes you shake with fear; afterward you are chatting and laughing. Good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
震來虩虩，恐致福也。笑言啞啞，後有則也。
"Thunder comes and all is alarm": fear brings blessing. "Talk and laughter": afterward there is a rule to follow.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
吉Favorable. This text describes a good outcome. Act the way it says and the matter can succeed. The promise has a condition: keep to the right course.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Something sudden has given you a fright, and that is normal. Use that tension to check for gaps and patch up the way things are done; afterward you may even be able to laugh about it.
- Love
- A sudden jolt in love: an unexpected piece of news, or a quarrel. Being afraid shows that you care. Use the jolt to see what matters most and hold on to it; afterward you can talk about it with a smile.
- Money
- A sudden expense or swing has you tense. Don't fear that tension; use it to set proper rules for spending and saving. Get through this stretch carefully, and afterward you can breathe easy.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Zhen.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Zhen (Thunder); when this line changes it becomes Yu (Enthusiasm): hexagram 51 changing to 16.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yu (Enthusiasm)
People are willing and the mood is good. It suits getting everyone moving on something, but don't get lost in feeling pleased.