Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 4

Immaturity becomes Biting

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder and lightning break through the stillness: the first, second and fourth lines move, and the uncertain student of 4 Immaturity faces something that has to be bitten through. With three moving lines, the two judgments stand side by side. The starting one asks you to accept that you aren't yet ready in this area, and to seek guidance humbly, then apply it.

The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, decisive action against obstacles, even legal action if needed, with energy and clear limits. These two may sound opposed, but they fit. Humility decides where your decisiveness comes from: from good counsel rather than bravado. Get the advice you need, then act on it without fear. Watch for using inexperience as an excuse to avoid a necessary confrontation. Learn quickly, set your limits, and bite through.

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 4 Immaturity

    Be aware that you don't yet have the maturity you need to reach what you're after in the area of your question. Act with humility: ask for guidance, seek advice and counsel, and put what you're told into practice.

    Success. I do not go looking for the ignorant youth; the ignorant youth comes looking for me. The first time the oracle is asked, I answer. A second and a third asking is an offense, and an offense gets no answer. 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 1 of 4 Immaturity

    You'll receive help, but you have to apply what you're told. Choose guides who demand a lot of you without being domineering.

    To wake the ignorant, it is favorable to use punishment and to take off the shackles. Going on this way: distress.

  4. Line 2 of 4 Immaturity

    It's time to cultivate yourself inwardly; then your worth will show on the outside.

    Embracing the ignorant: good fortune. Taking a wife: good fortune. The son can hold up the house.

  5. Line 4 of 4 Immaturity

    Dreaming without acting leads you to failure.

    Ignorance hemmed in. Distress.

The trigrams

Below Water Thunder
Above Mountain Fire

The way back

21 Biting → 4 Immaturity
lines 1, 2, and 4

Other transformations of Immaturity

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins