Transformation · lines 1, 2, and 3
Biting becomes The Vessel of Nourishment
What this change means
The whole lower trigram moves: Thunder becomes Wind, and Biting turns into 50 The Vessel of Nourishment. With three lines changing, the two judgments carry equal weight. Biting asks for firm, energetic action against what blocks you, with clear limits, even formal steps if they're needed, and without fear. The cauldron asks for something slower: change that happens naturally, the way food cooks, without great upheaval. Read together, they describe decisive work that then settles into steady transformation. Bite through the obstacle, then keep the flame going, the enthusiasm that lets you continue. Take an honest inventory of what you have, the way a cook chooses ingredients, and use it well. The change won't come all at once. If you push for instant results after the first decisive move, you may spoil what's cooking.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 judgment of 50 The Vessel of Nourishment
It's a time of change and adjustment, and it will happen naturally, without great upheaval, the way food cooks. Keep the flame lit: it's the enthusiasm that gives you the strength to keep going. And be clear about the resources you have, the way a cook chooses the ingredients. The change will come about little by little.
Great good fortune. Success.
- Line 1 of 21 Biting
If you realize you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility for your actions and change course quickly.
Feet in the stocks, the toes lost from sight. No fault.
- Line 2 of 21 Biting
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
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 trigrams
The way back
50 The Vessel of Nourishment → 21 Bitinglines 1, 2, and 3
Other transformations of Biting
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 3, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 3, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 2, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 3, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.