What this change means
Three alternating lines move, the first, third and fifth, and Biting gives way to 33 Leaving Behind, a mountain under heaven. The two judgments stand in balance and seem to disagree. Biting tells you to act firmly on the obstacle, without fear. Leaving Behind tells you that stepping back right now isn't a defeat. Put together, they suggest a firm retreat: deciding clearly what you'll no longer take part in, and withdrawing with resolve rather than drifting away. Distance lets you recover strength and think about how to set things right. Keep the less trustworthy elements at arm's length, without hostility but with rigor. Sometimes what looks like a loss becomes a gain, once you let go of what isn't good for you. Return later, in a better direction, with the energy you saved.
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 33 Leaving Behind
Leaving a path behind or stepping back right now isn't a bad thing. On the contrary, it will help you recover your strength and think carefully about the situation and how to set it right. Sometimes what looks like a loss turns into a gain, if you can let go of what isn't good for you and then pick up again in the right direction.
Success. In small things, constancy is favorable.
- 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 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 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.
The trigrams
The way back
33 Leaving Behind → 21 Bitinglines 1, 3, and 5
Other transformations of Biting
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, 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.