What this change means
Here the fourth and second lines move, and the fourth one leads. It describes biting through tough meat on the bone: serious difficulties, faced with resolve and taken one at a time. Constancy in hardship brings good fortune. The second line backs that resolve with a social edge: when someone acts unjustly, setting a firm limit beats doing nothing. The lower Thunder becomes Lake, the upper Fire becomes Mountain, and the figure turns into 41 Decrease. That reframes the effort. This isn't a moment to spend freely or to fight on every front. Conserve your energy and resources, avoid excess of any kind, and choose where your firmness really counts. A time of growth is said to follow, so think of this as preparation. Keeping your limits clear while spending less of yourself is the balance to aim for.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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.
- 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 41 Decrease
It's a time for moderation and saving: conserving your resources and energy matters a great deal now. A period of growth will follow, but for now you need to stay aware and avoid excess of every kind while you get ready to take on big projects.
There is sincere trust. Great good fortune. No fault. Constancy is possible. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. What to offer? Two bowls will do for the offering.
The trigrams
The way back
41 Decrease → 21 Bitinglines 2 and 4
Other transformations of Biting
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 2
- 56The Travelerlines 1 and 3
- 14Wealthlines 2 and 3
- 23The Falllines 1 and 4
- 22Good Mannerslines 3 and 4
- 12Declinelines 1 and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 2 and 5
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 3 and 5
- 42Increaselines 4 and 5
- 16Passionlines 1 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 2 and 6
- 55Abundancelines 3 and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 4 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.