What this change means
With the first, fourth, fifth and top lines moving, Biting becomes 8 Union, water over the earth. The still lines of the resulting hexagram guide the change: the second says that when you speak sincerely about what you need, you'll get the right help; the third warns that you may choose badly whom you join with, and asks you to avoid shallow alliances that won't bear fruit. Biting was about dealing with obstacles firmly. Here, that firmness applies to your relationships. Be clear and honest about what you're asking for, and equally clear about whom you trust. Success lies in joining people who share your purpose and can truly support it, and in making sure you, too, bring what the project needs.
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 8 Union, which stays still
When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.
Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 3 of 8 Union, which stays still
You tend to choose badly the people you join with. Avoid shallow alliances that won't bear good fruit.
Joining with those who are not the right ones.
- 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 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.
- 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 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
8 Union → 21 Bitinglines 1, 4, 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
- 31Attractionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 2, 3, 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.