What this change means
With four lines moving, the first three and the top, Biting becomes 32 What Lasts, and the reading follows the resulting hexagram's still lines, the fourth and fifth. The fourth says enthusiasm alone isn't enough; you also need to find the places where your aims can actually flourish. The fifth says that success now depends on being bold and open to new paths. The lower Thunder turns to Wind while the upper Fire becomes Thunder: thunder and wind, the image of duration. The decisive energy of Biting isn't lost; it gets direction. This moment asks for action, guided by clear goals, rather than stillness. Choose your ground wisely, be willing to try what's new, and keep acting in line with your aims. Achievements built that way tend to grow and last.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 32 What Lasts, which stays still
Motivation and enthusiasm aren't all you need to achieve something; you also need to find the places where those dreams can flourish.
No game in the field.
- Line 5 of 32 What Lasts, which stays still
Right now your achievements will depend on your ability to be bold and open yourself to new paths.
Making one's virtue last, with constancy. For the wife, good fortune; for the husband, 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.
- 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 6 of 21 Biting
Insisting on staying on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice or warnings will lead you to failure.
A wooden collar on the neck, the ears lost from sight. Misfortune.
- The judgment of 32 What Lasts
This moment asks you for action, not stillness. It asks you to have clear goals to head toward and to act in line with them. That way you'll achieve things, and your achievements will keep growing and will last.
Success. No fault. Constancy is favorable. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
32 What Lasts → 21 Bitinglines 1, 2, 3, and 6
Other transformations of Biting
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 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
- 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.