Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Treading Carefully becomes Biting
What this change means
Thunder and lightning arrive when the fifth and second lines move, and careful treading meets something that has to be bitten through. The fifth line leads: you move resolutely, aware of the danger, and caution is what turns resolve into success. The second line balances it with a steady, solitary walk on a level road; solitude with your projects brings good fortune for the time being. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, decisive action against obstacles, even legal steps if needed. With energy and clear limits, success is within reach, and fear has no place. So this isn't a time to tiptoe forever. There's a real obstacle, and it needs a clear response. Prepare it on your own, quietly and steadily, then act firmly, with eyes open to the risks. Decisiveness grounded in caution is what this change asks.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 5 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.
A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 2 of 10 Treading Carefully
Staying on your own with your projects, for now, will lead you to success.
Treading a level, open road. For one who lives apart, constancy brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- 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 → 10 Treading Carefullylines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 12Declinelines 1 and 2
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 4
- 42Increaselines 2 and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 3 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 5
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 5
- 41Decreaselines 4 and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 2 and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 3 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 4 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.