What this change means
Thunder and lightning replace earth and mountain as the first and fourth lines move, and the figure becomes 21 Biting. The fourth line leads, and it's stark: adversity is advancing and can reach your very skin, even your body. The first line adds that people with power may be attacking your image, even through slander. The Fall alone would say keep your inner strength and wait. The resulting hexagram changes the tone: when an obstacle is this concrete, firm and decisive action may be needed, even formal steps, with clear limits and without fear. Hold both ideas. Protect yourself and your health first; that isn't negotiable. Then, if the harm is real and specific, deal with it directly rather than hoping it fades. Act with energy, but stay within what's right.
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 23 The Fall
Adversity is advancing; even your body may be affected.
The bed is stripped down to the skin. Misfortune.
- Line 1 of 23 The Fall
Your enemies have the power now and use any means to damage your image, even slander. All you can do is keep your inner strength and wait for better times.
The bed is stripped at the legs. Constancy is destroyed: misfortune.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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 trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 23 The Falllines 1 and 4
Other transformations of The Fall
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 2
- 22Good Mannerslines 1 and 3
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2 and 3
- 64Transitionlines 2 and 4
- 56The Travelerlines 3 and 4
- 42Increaselines 1 and 5
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2 and 5
- 53Gradual Progresslines 3 and 5
- 12Declinelines 4 and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1 and 6
- 7The Armylines 2 and 6
- 15Simplicitylines 3 and 6
- 16Passionlines 4 and 6
- 8Unionlines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.