Transformation · lines 4 and 5

Biting becomes Increase

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The upper Fire becomes Wind, and with the fifth and fourth lines moving, Biting turns into 42 Increase, wind joined to thunder. The fifth line leads: correct what others got wrong with steadiness and impartiality, knowing there's danger in it yet no fault. The fourth supports it: hard obstacles are overcome one by one, through constancy in hardship. Together they describe hard, fair work in a responsible position. The resulting hexagram shows where that work can lead: a time of gain, where projects grow. It also asks you to keep your inner integrity, to learn from people who have the qualities you want, and to drop the habits that caused trouble before. The gold and the arrowhead are things found by chewing patiently. Keep at it, keep it fair, and let the growth be shared generously.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. The judgment of 42 Increase

    You're in a time of gain and growth: your projects will grow and prosper. At times like this it's important to keep your inner integrity, follow the example of people who have the qualities you want to gain, and get rid of the traits that have caused you trouble before. Overall, it's a time of achievement and generosity.

    It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.

The trigrams

Below Thunder stays
Above Fire Wind

The way back

42 Increase → 21 Biting
lines 4 and 5

Other transformations of Biting

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins