Transformation · lines 1, 3, and 6

Biting becomes Success in Small Matters

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder on the mountain replaces thunder and lightning as the first, third and top lines move, and Biting becomes 62 Success in Small Matters. Both judgments carry equal weight. Biting urges firm, energetic action against obstacles. Success in Small Matters says this isn't the season for great things; small achievements are what's available, and trying to go past your present means wastes effort. The blend is a measured firmness. Deal with what's in front of you, decisively but at the right scale. Don't turn a minor correction into a grand campaign, and don't stake more than you have. Modest, well-placed action gets results here, while overreaching tends to lead you off course. Living in step with the moment means accepting its size, and finding real satisfaction in doing small things well.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters

    This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.

    Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Above Fire Thunder

The way back

62 Success in Small Matters → 21 Biting
lines 1, 3, and 6

Other transformations of Biting

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins