Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 6
Biting becomes Fleeting Success
What this change means
Earth above the lake: the second, fourth and top lines move, and Biting becomes 19 Fleeting Success. The judgments of both hexagrams count equally. Biting asks for energetic, decisive action and clear limits. Fleeting Success announces a period of good fortune and well-being, with a warning built in: it won't last indefinitely, and conditions will change. If you pay attention, read the signs and take precautions before the decline, you can soften its effects even though you can't avoid it. The pairing suggests acting decisively while the window is open. Clear the obstacles that remain, settle what needs settling, and use this favorable stretch well. Don't let good luck make you careless or stubborn. A firm, timely effort now, with an eye on what comes after, makes the most of a passing season.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 19 Fleeting Success
A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.
- 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 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
The way back
19 Fleeting Success → 21 Bitinglines 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Biting
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 2, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 3, and 4
- 26Great Achievementslines 2, 3, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 2, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 2, 3, and 5
- 20Observinglines 1, 4, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 2, 4, and 5
- 37The Tribelines 3, 4, and 5
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 1, 2, and 6
- 62Success in Small Matterslines 1, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 2, 3, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 1, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 3, 4, and 6
- 45Meetinglines 1, 5, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 2, 5, and 6
- 49Renewallines 3, 5, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.