What this change means
Thunder and Fire meet as four lines change, the first, third, fifth and top: Attraction becomes 21 Biting, a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles and set limits, even legal action if needed. Four changing lines mean the advice comes from the two lines of 21 Biting that stay put. Its second line says that when someone acts unjustly, firm, unbending limits serve better than doing nothing. Its fourth says you face difficulties that feel overwhelming, but staying firm and resolute lets you overcome them one by one. That's a sharp turn from the soft openness of Attraction. Being receptive doesn't mean letting anything in. Where someone takes advantage of your goodwill, draw a clear line. Act with energy, take each obstacle in turn, and don't let fear keep you from biting through.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 21 Biting, which stays still
When you see someone acting unjustly or wrongly, it's better to be uncompromising in setting limits than to do nothing.
Biting tender flesh, the nose sinks out of sight. No fault.
- Line 4 of 21 Biting, which stays still
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 31 Attraction
You'll get good results to the extent that you stay open and receptive, which lets people come close who will support you and help you get there, generously and without self-interest.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 31 Attraction
Your outlook and attitude are right, but you still need to wait for support and alliances to arrive.
Contact at the big toe.
- Line 3 of 31 Attraction
Don't act hastily, attaching yourself to the wrong people or chasing your dreams without thinking: this will take you off the path.
Contact at the thighs. Holding on to what follows. Going on: distress.
- Line 5 of 31 Attraction
An attitude of stillness, without trying to influence people or events, will bring you achievement.
Contact at the back. No regret.
- Line 6 of 31 Attraction
If you try to influence others or win their support with words alone and not with matching actions, your achievements will be modest.
Contact at the jaws, the cheeks, the tongue.
- 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 → 31 Attractionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Attraction
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 42Increaselines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.