What this change means
The trigrams swap places: Thunder below becomes Fire, Fire above becomes Thunder, and Biting turns into 55 Abundance. The top line leads. It warns about stubbornness, staying on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice, which leads to failure. The third line brings an old grudge into the light, and a reaction that others may criticize without understanding it. The connection is clear: an old resentment can harden into a refusal to listen. The resulting hexagram points to a fuller season, a period of satisfaction that lasts a while and then wanes. Don't spend it on old quarrels. Hear the warnings, let go of what still poisons you, and enjoy what's good while it lasts. When it fades, meet that calmly, with your spirits intact.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 55 Abundance
You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.
Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.
The trigrams
The way back
55 Abundance → 21 Bitinglines 3 and 6
Other transformations of Biting
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 2
- 56The Travelerlines 1 and 3
- 14Wealthlines 2 and 3
- 23The Falllines 1 and 4
- 41Decreaselines 2 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
- 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.