Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5

Biting becomes Release from Obstacles

噬嗑 21 Biting 渙 59 Release from Obstacles
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Just two lines hold still, the third and the top, so Biting's turn into 59 Release from Obstacles is read through those two lines of the resulting hexagram. The third says that when you're clear about your goals, you can give ground to find unity and get past what blocks you. The top line says to move away in time from whatever endangers you and your people; that isn't running away but dissolving the risk before it arrives. The tension behind this change seems to come from selfishness on several sides. The bite that Biting called for now becomes a different kind of strength: knowing what you want so well that you can yield on the rest. Let go of fights that don't serve the goal, and step away early from real danger. That's how the blockage loosens.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 3 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still

    If you're clear about your goals and purposes, you'll be able to give ground so as to find unity and get past the obstacles.

    Scatters its own self. No regret.

  2. Line 6 of 59 Release from Obstacles, which stays still

    Get away in time from whatever puts you and your people in danger. Withdrawing now isn't running away: it's dissolving the risk before it reaches you, and there's no mistake in that.

    Scatters its blood; goes away, departs far off. No fault.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Line 5 of 21 Biting

    When you correct mistakes others have made, be steady and impartial, and you'll get results.

    Biting dried meat, finding yellow gold. Constancy is in danger. No fault.

  8. The judgment of 59 Release from Obstacles

    You can free yourself from the obstacles that hold you back if you're able to act sincerely and bring opposites together around shared goals. The tension has arisen because selfishness rules. To move forward, be humble and let the current carry you rather than going against it.

    Success. The king goes to his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.

The trigrams

Below Thunder Water
Above Fire Wind

The way back

59 Release from Obstacles → 21 Biting
lines 1, 2, 4, and 5

Other transformations of Biting

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

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