Cambios

Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 5

Lack of Firmness becomes Biting

姤 44 Lack of Firmness 噬嗑 21 Biting
Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder and lightning take the place of wind under heaven when the first, second, third and fifth lines move. In the resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, the fourth and sixth lines stay put, and they guide the reading. The fourth describes great difficulties that can feel overwhelming, and asks you to hold firm and resolute, getting past the obstacles one at a time. The sixth warns that clinging to the wrong path and ignoring advice leads to failure. Coming out of Lack of Firmness, where harmful influences were taken too lightly, this calls for decisive action. Stop negotiating with what you know is wrong for you. Listen to the warnings people are giving you, even when they're uncomfortable. Then deal with each obstacle in turn, with energy and clear limits. It's hard work, but it's how the grip loosens.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. 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.

  2. Line 6 of 21 Biting, which stays still

    Insisting on staying on the wrong path and refusing to hear advice or warnings will lead you to failure.

    A wooden collar on the neck, the ears lost from sight. Misfortune.

  3. The judgment of 44 Lack of Firmness

    You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.

    The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.

  4. Line 1 of 44 Lack of Firmness

    When something or someone you'd be better off without comes into your life, put distance between you quickly, before it gains power.

    Tied to a metal brake. Constancy brings good fortune. If it has somewhere to go, it will meet misfortune. A lean pig, surely, paws and paces.

  5. Line 2 of 44 Lack of Firmness

    You recognize the adverse person or condition in your life. You need to keep it under control, not with violence but with firmness, so its influence doesn't spread.

    In the wrapping there is fish. No fault. Not favorable for guests.

  6. Line 3 of 44 Lack of Firmness

    You know adverse conditions or people exist and you can recognize them, but you're tempted to let them influence you. It will take a great effort to set them aside.

    Buttocks without skin; the walk falters. Danger. No great fault.

  7. Line 5 of 44 Lack of Firmness

    Right now, thanks to your inner worth, you're able to transform unsuitable people and even your own harmful habits.

    Willow branches wrap the melon. Beauty kept within: something falls from heaven.

  8. 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

Below Wind Thunder
Above Heaven Fire

The way back

21 Biting → 44 Lack of Firmness
lines 1, 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Lack of Firmness

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins