What this change means
Water rests above the lake when the second, fourth, fifth and top lines move, and Biting turns into 60 Thrift. Four lines change, so the resulting hexagram's still lines take the lead. The first says to watch for the signs that tell you when to stop. The third says that failing to hold yourself back brings trouble, but that recognizing it and doing something about it lets you get past the obstacles. Biting is about limits imposed on what's wrong. This movement turns the same principle inward: limits on yourself. Know when enough is enough, in effort, spending or conflict. Conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what comes. If you've already overdone it, name that honestly and adjust. Measure, not force, is the strength here.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
Watch for the signs that tell you when it's time to stop.
Does not leave the courtyard inside the door. No fault.
- Line 3 of 60 Thrift, which stays still
When you can't hold yourself back and set limits, you bring on trouble. If you recognize it and do something about it, you'll get past the obstacles.
One without measure will sigh afterward. 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.
- 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.
- 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 60 Thrift
It's a time to conserve your time, energy and resources so you're ready for what lies ahead. If you do, when challenges arrive you'll be prepared and will overcome them easily.
Success. Bitter measure cannot be kept up with constancy.
The trigrams
The way back
60 Thrift → 21 Bitinglines 2, 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
- 8Unionlines 1, 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.