What this change means
The fourth line is the only one moving, and it's the heart of the reading: biting dried meat on the bone and finding a metal arrowhead. You're in a hard stretch, with difficulties that can feel overwhelming. The line's answer is firmness. Stay resolute, take the obstacles one at a time, and keep your constancy through the hardship; that's where good fortune lies. The arrowhead is something solid hidden in the tough meat, worth finding if you keep chewing. As the upper Fire becomes Mountain, Biting turns into 27 Nourishment, the image of the jaws. Through a long effort, what you take in matters. Look after your body and spirit so you have the resources each area needs. Feed yourself well, share what is good with those around you, and don't let the struggle wear down the very strength you need to finish.
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.
- 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 27 Nourishment
Right now you need to take care of your physical and spiritual nourishment, so you have the resources you need in each area, and at the same time help others grow through what you do. Success lies in giving and receiving: take in what is good for you and share it with those around you.
Constancy brings good fortune. Watching the jaws; seeking for oneself what fills the mouth.
The trigrams
The way back
27 Nourishment → 21 Bitingline 4
Other transformations of Biting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.