What this change means
Thunder and lightning replace the double pit when every line except the third moves: the time for passive endurance ends, and something has to be bitten through. The one still line, the third of 21 Biting, gives the counsel: old resentments surface. You'll answer them, and others may criticize your reaction because they can't see its cause. The broader resulting hexagram calls for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, setting limits and acting with energy. So you're leaving the long struggle by confronting something directly. Be ready for the past to resurface, and for others to misread your response. Watch that your reaction stays measured, and don't be thrown by criticism from people who lack the full picture. Acting firmly is right here; what matters is that the limits you set are clear and fair.
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, which stays still
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 29 Water
Just as a stream moves through obstacles and gets past them, following its course without stagnating, you're at a time when obstacles will come one after another, but you'll get past them if you can keep moving. Letting fear paralyze you will only leave you stuck.
There is sincere trust. Only the heart gets through. Going earns esteem.
- Line 1 of 29 Water
You won't get results if you keep acting recklessly in the direction you're going, without watching outside circumstances.
Pit upon pit. Entering the bottom of the pit. Misfortune.
- Line 2 of 29 Water
You're in a dangerous situation where you only get results in small matters. This isn't the time for great success.
In the pit there is danger. Seeking, a little is gained.
- Line 4 of 29 Water
Obstacles will be overcome now only if you open up to help that seems minor but will make the difference.
A jug of wine, a bowl of grain besides, in clay vessels. The simple offering passes in through the window. In the end, no fault.
- Line 5 of 29 Water
You'll get out of the obstacles now if you follow the path of least resistance and, step by step, head toward your goal.
The pit does not overflow; it fills just to the level. No fault.
- Line 6 of 29 Water
Trying to escape the obstacles, you get more tangled if you keep doing things the wrong way and side with the wrong people.
Bound with braided cords, set among thorn thickets; three years and no way out. Misfortune.
- 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 → 29 Waterlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Water
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.