What this change means
Thunder below and Fire above, lightning with it, take over as the second, third, fifth and top lines move. The result is 21 Biting, and the lines that don't move in it, the first and fourth, are the ones to heed. The first says that if you see you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility and change course quickly. Its fourth describes great difficulties that feel overwhelming, and asks you to stay firm and resolute, overcoming the obstacles one by one. From Overflowing, a time of accumulated pressure, this turns toward decisive action. First look honestly at your own part and correct it without delay. Then face what stands in the way with energy and clear limits. Don't be paralyzed by how much there is. Bite through one problem, then the next, and keep your footing as you go.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 21 Biting, which stays still
If you realize you're doing the wrong thing, take responsibility for your actions and change course quickly.
Feet in the stocks, the toes lost from 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 43 Overflowing
It's a time of excessive buildup: some situations are about to get out of control and overwhelm you, both personally and in your relationships. You need to bring what's happening into the open, but without speaking about it directly; watch your words so you don't provoke reactions. It's a time to act generously to ease the tension that's there.
It is proclaimed in the king's court. A sincere cry: there is danger. Word comes from one's own city. It is not favorable to take up arms. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- Line 2 of 43 Overflowing
Act decisively, but pay attention to the signs so you can take precautions when needed.
A cry of alarm. At nightfall there are weapons: do not worry.
- Line 3 of 43 Overflowing
This is a time when circumstances lead you to ally with people who aren't fully trustworthy. If you act clearly and don't lose your integrity despite the gossip, you'll succeed.
Strength in the cheekbones: there is misfortune. The noble person, resolute, resolute, walks alone and is caught in the rain; soaked, there is resentment. No fault.
- Line 5 of 43 Overflowing
If you keep your integrity and don't stray from your path, whoever you have to deal with, you'll resolve the difficulties that come up.
Purslane, pulled up with resolve. Walking the middle way: no fault.
- Line 6 of 43 Overflowing
In a moment of success and achievement you can't relax, because there are people undermining what you've achieved, and they'll lead you to loss.
No cry. In the end, 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 → 43 Overflowinglines 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Overflowing
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 12Declinelines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 42Increaselines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 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.