Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

Activity becomes Biting

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder and lightning: three lines move, and the double Heaven breaks into a storm that clears the air. Both judgments carry the reading. 1 Activity brings creative strength and the qualities to see an undertaking through. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, asks for firm, decisive action against an obstacle, even legal steps if needed. With energy and clear limits, success is within reach. The two fit easily: this is a moment where your strength should actually be used. Something stands between you and what you're working toward, and it won't dissolve on its own. Name it, decide how you'll deal with it, and follow through. Be fair, be clear about the rules, and don't let fear make you hesitate. Afterward, step back and let the matter close. The point is to remove the block, not to keep biting.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 1 Activity

    The creative principle. Activity. New beginnings, flourishing, and the qualities you need to carry any undertaking or project through to success.

    Great success. Constancy is favorable.

  2. The judgment of 21 Biting

    It's a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal action if needed. Success is within reach if you act with energy and set limits. Don't be afraid: act.

    Success. It is favorable to bring things to judgment.

  3. Line 2 of 1 Activity

    It's time to talk with the people who can help you.

    The dragon shows itself in the field. It is favorable to see the great person.

  4. Line 3 of 1 Activity

    Things are working, yet you worry for no apparent reason.

    The noble person strives and strives all day long, and at nightfall is still watchful. Danger. No fault.

  5. Line 5 of 1 Activity

    What you undertake brings good results, and help is there if you ask for it.

    The dragon flies in the sky. It is favorable to see the great person.

The trigrams

Below Heaven Thunder
Above Heaven Fire

The way back

21 Biting → 1 Activity
lines 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Activity

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins