What this change means
Thunder and lightning replace the lake over the earth: with the first, fifth and top lines in motion, the gathering meets something that has to be bitten through. Both judgments weigh equally. Meeting says the time favors uniting supporters and taking on important matters, while preparing for the unexpected. The resulting hexagram, 21 Biting, calls for firm, decisive action to overcome obstacles, even legal steps if needed, with energy and clear limits. Together they ask you not to let an obstacle break up what you've built. If something or someone is blocking the group, deal with it directly. Set limits and hold them. Don't be afraid to act. The support you've gathered gives you the backing to face this, and the habit of keeping your tools in order is exactly what makes a firm response possible when the moment comes.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 45 Meeting
A very favorable situation is coming, with everything ready for you to take the next step toward your goals. You can ask for help and meet with those who will support you. It's a time to take on important things, do some kind of spiritual practice, and prepare in case anything unexpected happens.
Success. The king comes to his temple. It is favorable to see the great person. Success. Constancy is favorable. Offering large animals brings good fortune. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 45 Meeting
You know you need to meet with people who will support you, but you're unsure whether to do it. If you finally make up your mind and act, you'll get help.
There is sincere trust, but not to the end: now disorder, now gathering. If you cry out, one clasp of the hand and laughter returns. Do not worry. Going: no fault.
- Line 5 of 45 Meeting
You meet like-minded people, but also people who are somewhat wary of you. It's important to win their trust to reach your goals.
Gathering in one's place. No fault. Where there is no trust, a great and lasting constancy: regret vanishes.
- Line 6 of 45 Meeting
You're trying to join someone who doesn't want to join you. Letting your sorrow show may make them reconsider, and you'll get what you want.
Sighs and laments, tears and a running nose. No fault.
The trigrams
The way back
21 Biting → 45 Meetinglines 1, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Meeting
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 60Thriftlines 1, 2, and 4
- 63After the Endlines 1, 3, and 4
- 48Right Actionlines 2, 3, and 4
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 2, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, and 5
- 24Coming Backlines 1, 4, and 5
- 7The Armylines 2, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 3, 4, and 5
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 3, and 6
- 42Increaselines 1, 4, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 2, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 3, 4, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 3, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.