What this change means
The first, third, fifth and top lines move, and Biting turns into 31 Attraction, a lake resting on the mountain. With four lines changing, the still lines of the resulting hexagram lead. The second asks you to hold back from rushing or taking the lead, and let the right people and circumstances arrive by themselves. The fourth says that centering yourself in your heart and inner resources lets what's right for you find you. It's a striking reversal of Biting's forceful energy. Instead of chewing through every obstacle, you're asked to become open and receptive. Good results come to the extent that you let supportive people approach, freely and without self-interest. Put down the urge to force things, and make room for what's drawn to you.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 31 Attraction, which stays still
Wait, without rushing or taking the initiative, until the right people and situations show up on their own.
Contact at the calves. Misfortune. Staying put brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 31 Attraction, which stays still
Centering yourself in your heart and your inner resources will let what is right for you find you naturally.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. Restless, coming and going; friends follow your thoughts.
- 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 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.
- 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 31 Attraction
You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
31 Attraction → 21 Bitinglines 1, 3, 5, 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
- 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
- 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.