What this change means
Thunder and lightning arrive together when five lines change, and the one line of the new figure that holds still, the second, carries the reading. Held Back becomes 21 Biting. That second line says that when you see someone acting unjustly or wrongly, doing nothing is worse than drawing a hard, uncompromising line. The resulting hexagram describes a time for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal steps if necessary, with success within reach for those who act with energy. After a long period of stepping back and waiting, the moment has shifted. Some of what blocked you may be someone else's wrongdoing, and patience no longer helps. Name it, draw a clear line, and act. Don't let fear or politeness keep you passive. Firmness here isn't aggression; it's what clears the way.
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.
- The judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 39 Held Back
A strategic retreat in the face of obstacles will help you reflect, come up with new strategies, and act when conditions are right.
Going: hardship. Coming: praise.
- Line 3 of 39 Held Back
The right thing now is to step back from the obstacles and return to normal conditions, with the people who love you, until the time to act comes.
Going: hardship. Coming: a return.
- Line 4 of 39 Held Back
You won't get past the obstacles on your own. It's time to return to more stable conditions and look for support from like-minded people; with their help you'll succeed.
Going: hardship. Coming: joined with others.
- Line 5 of 39 Held Back
You have great conviction and clear goals, which let you keep going despite the obstacles. Your inner strength will draw help to you.
Great hardship: friends arrive.
- Line 6 of 39 Held Back
You've reached such maturity and confidence that you can face difficulties calmly and help others; in the same way, you'll receive help from those above you.
Going: hardship. Coming: greatness. Good fortune. It is favorable to see the great person.
- 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 → 39 Held Backlines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Held Back
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.