What this change means
Thunder below and fire above form a biting mouth as four lines move, the first, fourth, fifth and top. The second and third lines, left still, give the advice. The second says that faced with someone behaving unjustly, holding a hard line on limits is better than letting it pass. The third says old grudges come to light; you'll respond, and others may criticize you without knowing why.
The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, asks for firm, decisive steps past the obstacles, legal ones if necessary, taken with energy and clear limits. So the alliance may face a breach of trust. Name it and set limits firmly. Expect to be misunderstood by some, and don't let that stop you. Watch for old resentment adding heat to a fair response. Clear, principled firmness tends to protect the union better than silence.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 21 Biting, which stays still
When you see someone acting unjustly or wrongly, it's better to be uncompromising in setting limits than to do nothing.
Biting tender flesh, the nose sinks out of sight. No fault.
- Line 3 of 21 Biting, which stays still
Old grudges come to light. You'll respond, and people may criticize you for it, since they don't know why you reacted.
Biting old dried meat, meeting poison. A little distress; no fault.
- The judgment of 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- Line 1 of 8 Union
The right help will come.
There is sincere trust: join with them. No fault. Sincere trust fills the earthen jar; in the end something more arrives. Good fortune.
- Line 4 of 8 Union
Staying loyal to the people you ally with, and showing that alliance openly, helps you right now.
Joining outwardly. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 5 of 8 Union
Those who can help you will come naturally. Don't keep seeking help from someone who is reluctant to give it.
Open union. The king hunts, driving from three sides, and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople are not alarmed. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 8 Union
If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.
Joining with no head. Misfortune.
- 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.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 8 Unionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Union
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.