Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Biting becomes Loss, Then Gain
What this change means
Four lines move, from the first to the fourth, and Biting becomes 18 Loss, Then Gain, wind below the mountain. With so much changing, the guidance comes from the two still lines of the resulting hexagram. The fifth says that knowing your weak spots and finding helpers to cover them brings success and recognition. The top line says that goals reaching beyond personal interest can carry you forward. Read in this light, the decisive energy of Biting turns toward repair. Something has gone wrong, perhaps through your own mistakes, and the resulting hexagram holds that admitting it and making the needed corrections can lead back to success. Don't try to fix everything alone. Name where you're vulnerable, ask for support there, and anchor the effort in a purpose larger than yourself. Then give the recovery time to arrive.
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 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
If you're aware of your weaknesses and vulnerable spots and look for helpers to support you there, you'll gain success and recognition.
Setting right what the father spoiled. It wins praise.
- Line 6 of 18 Loss, Then Gain, which stays still
If you have high goals, beyond purely personal interests, and let them drive you, you'll succeed.
Serving neither kings nor lords; holding one's own work high.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 21 Biting
You're in a time of great difficulties that feel overwhelming, but stay firm and resolute in the face of adversity, overcoming the obstacles one by one.
Biting dried meat on the bone, finding a metal arrowhead. Constancy in hardship is favorable. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 18 Loss, Then Gain
You've made mistakes that have brought you into decline; still, admitting it and making the corrections needed will lead you back to success. Take time to reflect on what caused the loss and, once you've acted, give success time to arrive.
Great success. It is favorable to cross the great river. Three days before the first day, three days after the first day.
The trigrams
The way back
18 Loss, Then Gain → 21 Bitinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
Other transformations of Biting
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 8Unionlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 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.