What this change means
What happens when you bite into old dried meat and hit something poisonous? The third line moves, and old grudges come up. You'll react, and people around you may judge you for it, since they don't see what's behind your response. The line calls this a little distress and no fault: unpleasant, not a disaster. It's the heart of the reading. As the lower Thunder turns to Fire, the figure doubles its light and becomes 30 The Flame. That suggests the way through: clarity. When you understand what the old resentment is really about, you can respond from that understanding instead of from the sting. You don't owe everyone an explanation, but a generous attitude, sharing what you see rather than hiding it, tends to ease the criticism and turn a sour moment into something useful. Let your inner sense of direction guide what you say next.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 30 The Flame
There's clarity in what you do: your inner self guides you toward your goals. A generous attitude helps you, one that leads you to share your light, and this will increase your gains and achievements.
Constancy is favorable. Success. Raising a cow brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
30 The Flame → 21 Bitingline 3
Other transformations of Biting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.